A fun and inspiring plant-based podcast from nutrition experts at The Physicians Committee. "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll, who lost 280 pounds, is frequently joined by Dr. Neal Barnard and others to motivate and educate both new vegans and those who have been plant-powered for life. Learn the secrets to improving your health from doctors and nutritionists and become inspired by others who have already reclaimed their health! Dive into the science of a plant-based diet like the effects of eating a single beef hamburger or slice of cheese can do to the body!
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Doctor Doubted Plant-Based Diet, Then Lost 25 Pounds | Dr. Kerry Graff
Dr. Kerry Graff hoped the doctors in Forks Over Knives were wrong. Then she tried a whole food, plant-based diet herself—and says she lost 25 pounds in three months without feeling hungry. After 17 years in family practice, the experience changed how she understood her own health and how she helped her patients. Dr. Graff joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to share her journey from skepticism to lifestyle medicine, including the changes she experienced in reflux, constipation, and mood. She also explains why helping someone change their diet means understanding their sleep, stress, relationships, and reasons for wanting to feel better. Today, she brings that personal, practical approach to her work with Lifestyle Telemedicine and as medical director of Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute. In this conversation: Why being vegetarian did not automatically mean she was eating well. How she evaluated the nutrition claims that challenged her medical training. Ways to make the transition to more fiber easier on your digestion. Why trying one new recipe a week can make healthy eating more sustainable. How to handle holiday meals when your family eats differently. Why she looks for positive motivation when working with patients. Her experience working with autoimmune conditions and why responses vary. How telemedicine physicians collaborate and how to find a doctor available in your state. 🎬 Reversing Diabetes Watch Party Join host Chuck and Dr. Neal Barnard for a screening of PCRM's documentary Reversing Diabetes. After the film you'll enjoy a behind-the-scenes conversation with the stars of the film, including Dr. Barnard, Dr. Hana Kahleova, and former University of Michigan football star Marc Ramirez and his wife Kim. Marc shares his experience reversing type 2 diabetes after seeing the disease profoundly affect his family. We'll explore the personal stories, blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, and research behind the film. The event benefits the Physicians Committee. 🎟️ Tickets https://www.pcrm.org/watchparty 🩺 Lifestyle Telemedicine https://lifestyletelemedicine.com 🩺 Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute https://www.rochesterlifestylemedicine.org 👩🏻⚕️ Dr. Kerry Graff https://www.kerrygraffmd.com - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Why Can't I Stop Eating? Milkshake Study Offers Surprising Clues | Dr. Kevin Hall
Why can ultra-processed foods be so hard to stop eating? Kevin Hall, Ph.D. explains the surprising results of a brain-imaging study—and why they do NOT settle the debate about food addiction. The nutrition, metabolism, and obesity scientist joins Chuck Carroll to unpack research that challenged his own expectations. After participants consumed an ultra-processed milkshake high in fat and sugar, researchers did not detect the average increase in dopamine they anticipated under the study conditions. But Hall is clear: that does not prove food addiction is imaginary or that ultra-processed foods cannot drive overeating. For Chuck, who once weighed 420 pounds and ate as many as 10,000 calories of fast food and junk food a day, the findings raise deeply personal questions. In this conversation: What the 50-person milkshake study measured—and what it could not establish Why overeating and addiction are different research questions How calorie density and combinations of fat, sugar, and salt may influence food intake How Hall's team changed calorie intake while keeping diets highly ultra-processed Why Hall left the NIH after 21 years His account of restrictions on communicating research findings His concerns about research funding and the next generation of scientists Hall also discusses his subsequent work at AstraZeneca on obesity medications. 🥤 Milk Shake Study https://bit.ly/milkshakestudy 👨🏫 Kevin Hall, Ph.D. https://www.kevinhallphd.com Exam Roomie of the Week - Judy Leahy Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-saving work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention from Chuck. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Pain Fighting Foods: Discover How Not To Hurt | Dr. Michael Greger
Certain foods produce similar pain fighting effects as Tylenol and ibuprofen. Dr. Michael Greger joins Chuck Carroll for an early look at his forthcoming book, How Not to Hurt, and the research that surprised him while investigating food, lifestyle, and pain. This conversation explores ginger and cinnamon in migraine research, turmeric and curcumin, and an unexpected study comparing a kale preparation with ibuprofen after wisdom-tooth surgery. Dr. Greger also introduces his "Soothing Seven," explains the evidence threshold for making that list, and names three members: ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. Plus, he discusses: Research on topical flaxseed oil for carpal tunnel symptoms. Why short-term pain relief and long-term outcomes can differ. Questions raised by sham-controlled procedure studies. Why some inexpensive interventions receive little attention. How dietary changes can fit alongside other medical care. There's serious science, plenty of Big Greger Energy, and a shared goal of helping people spend less of their lives hurting. Thank you to our Exam Room VIPs for joining us before the public release! Invite a friend to become a VIP for FREE. More exclusive interviews, newsletters, and events will be announced soon. 📕 How Not To Hurt by Dr. Greger https://link.amazon/B0dw88WWh Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Five Foods Proven to Boost Your Immune System | Dr. Niki Davis
Can a bag of frozen berries earn a place on your immune-health grocery list? What do beans and mushrooms bring to the table? Dr. Niki Davis from Lifestyle Telemedicine joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to explore five foods and food groups for supporting a healthy immune system, with practical ideas for cold and flu season. Her five picks: Mushrooms Beans, peas, and lentils Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables Berries Sweet potatoes Learn why Dr. Davis highlights beta-glucans in mushrooms, how gut bacteria turn fiber into butyrate, and why variety matters when choosing plant foods. The conversation also covers broccoli and sulforaphane, frozen versus fresh berries, and different sweet potato varieties. Beyond the plate, Dr. Davis discusses movement, strength training, sleep, and stress. Audience questions explore oxalates and kidney stones, dairy, yogurt and kefir, probiotics after antibiotics, and eating with Hashimoto's. Plus, Chuck shares his experience eating a mushroom steak at one of the top rated plant-based restaurants in the world, and Dr. Davis reveals her favorite frozen blueberries. 🩺 Lifestyle Telemedicine https://lifestyletelemedicine.com 👩🏻⚕️ Dr. Niki Davis https://drnikidavis.com 🩺 Barnard Medical Center https://www.barnardmedical.org Exam Roomie of the Week Andrea Csuvay Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-saving work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention from Chuck. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Gut Health Hype: What Actually Works? | Christopher Gardner, PhD
Before you buy another gut-health product, hear what the human research actually found. Stanford nutrition scientist Christopher Gardner, PhD, explains the evidence on fiber, fermented foods, and inflammation. When you're trying to feel better, a promise of billions of beneficial bacteria can sound convincing. But what do those numbers really tell you about the product you're buying? Gardner joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to unpack a human trial that surprised his own research team. The fermented-food group increased gut microbial diversity and had lower levels of several inflammatory markers, while the fiber group's responses were more complicated. He explains why these findings do not mean fiber has failed, and why a study of foods cannot automatically validate every product marketed for your microbiome. In this episode: What prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics mean Why a bigger CFU count does not establish a better health outcome How fermented foods and fiber produced different results in a small human trial Why mouse findings did not predict the human results Why fibermaxxing can be a rough transition for your gut The limits of research measurements of inflammation Gardner's response to seed-oil claims How to build a varied, plant-rich eating pattern you can sustain What he has learned from making 250 batches of kombucha 📕 Food Sense: What to Eat and Why 👉 https://link.amazon/B0ebl1EAc 🔬 Gut Immune System Trial 👉 https://bit.ly/gutimmunetrial Exam Roomie of the Week - Lori Goosmann Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action
5 Ways to Reduce Bloating | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
You're eating healthier, but the bloating won't quit. By afternoon, your stomach feels tight, your clothes feel uncomfortable, and you're wondering which food to give up next. Before you cut out another healthy food, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz wants you to consider something surprising: You can poop every day and still be constipated. The gastroenterologist joins Chuck Carroll to explain five approaches to reducing bloating and why simply eating more fiber isn't always the answer. DR. B'S FIVE TIPS FOR REDUCING BLOATING Address constipation. Going every day doesn't necessarily mean you're emptying your bowels fully. Reduce swallowed air. Look at habits such as drinking carbonated beverages, sipping through straws, chewing gum, and gulping drinks. Increase fiber gradually. "Low and slow—that's the tempo." Start with what you tolerate and build at your own pace. Consider a trial without dairy and artificial sweeteners. Dr. B explains how lactose and certain sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, can contribute to gas and bloating. Slow down when you eat. Take time to chew, avoid rushing through meals, and try putting your fork down between bites. BONUS: Take a "fart walk"! Dr. B explains how moving your body can help move gas through your digestive system. You'll also hear the difference between feeling bloated and having a visibly distended abdomen, plus when ongoing symptoms deserve a conversation with your doctor. Dr. B discusses BDR, the supplement he developed through his company, 38TERA, and explains its peppermint oil, probiotic, and capsule design. There are plenty of laughs along the way—but the message is serious: You deserve to feel comfortable, and persistent bloating shouldn't be something you simply accept. 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://pcrm.org/examroomvip 🩺 Dr. Will Bulsiewicz 👉 https://www.theguthealthmd.com 🩺 38Tera 👉 https://www.38tera.com This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action
Kidney Disease: Silent Signals and Best Foods | Dr. Sean Hashmi
Kidney disease can develop quietly. What should you ask when your blood work is labeled "normal" but your numbers are changing? Kidney and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Sean Hashmi joins Chuck Carroll to discuss foamy urine, the role of urine testing, and why he pays close attention to trends in kidney function. Then the conversation becomes deeply personal. Dr. Hashmi explains why he tells patients struggling with obesity that it isn't their fault, how food can become a source of comfort through trauma, and why he wants to understand someone's "why" before prescribing another major lifestyle change. Chuck reflects on his own journey from 420 pounds and the lunchtime walks that helped him build consistency. In this episode: Recurrent foamy urine and questions to ask your doctor Kidney health, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight Pain relievers and kidney concerns Muscle preservation during weight loss Five-minute walks, chair squats, and wall push-ups Substitution, realistic goals, and building trust with your doctor Why a lab result or a number on the scale should not define you Dr. Hashmi also shares how losing his sister shaped his understanding of pain and human connection. 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 💻 Dr. Hashmi Website https://www.seanhashmimd.com ▶️ Dr. Hashmi YouTube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@SeanHashmiMD 🏥 Barnard Medical Center Appointments 👉 https://www.barnardmedical.org This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Health Benefits of Pink Foods: The Science Behind Their Color | Dr. Neal Barnard
When breast cancer touches your life, everyday choices can take on a new urgency. What should you eat? Does exercise matter? And what should you make of products wrapped in pink for breast cancer awareness? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to explore the science behind pink and red plant foods as part of the Physicians Committee's Let's Beat Breast Cancer campaign. The conversation goes inside strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes, and beets to explain why similar colors can come from very different compounds—and why an overall eating pattern matters more than chasing one superfood. You'll hear: How gut bacteria break down the colorful compounds in berries. Why tomato sauce can provide more absorbable lycopene than a raw tomato. What breast cancer survivor research found about fruit and vegetable intake combined with physical activity. How the pigments in plant foods differ from the pink color in meat. Why breast cancer fundraising tied to alcohol deserves scrutiny. Whether cooking and freezing change the benefits of these foods. How Dr. Barnard went from avoiding berries to eating them every morning. The research discussion includes both a randomized dietary trial and an observational analysis of diet plus activity. 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 💪 Let's Beat Breast Cancer 👉 https://letsbeatbreastcancer.org ▶️ Venus Williams and Dr. Funk Ad 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4djQ0OATg This episode of The Exam Room Podcast is sponsored by the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund. Our sincere thanks to Alysoun Mahoney and everyone at the fund for their generous support of the Physicians Committee and The Exam Room Podcast. 🙂 Gregory Reiter Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Breast Cancer Beyond Genetics: Better Outcomes | Dr. Kristi Funk
An abnormal mammogram. No ride to the next appointment. No one to watch the kids. And a paycheck that won't stretch far enough to cover both groceries and medical care. Breast cancer surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk explains how those everyday challenges can become barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment—and why helping women overcome them can change lives. She joins Chuck Carroll to examine a troubling finding: Black women have a lower overall incidence of breast cancer than white women, yet a higher death rate. Dr. Funk explains why differences in age, cancer subtype, and stage at diagnosis don't tell the whole story. The conversation also follows the connections between the food available in a neighborhood and the health of the people living there. What happens when nutritious food is difficult to find, but less healthy options are everywhere? And how do insulin resistance, inflammation, hormones, and gut bacteria fit into the breast cancer picture? You'll hear: Whether ultra-processed foods can cause breast cancer The difference between a food desert and a food swamp How insulin resistance can affect hormone signaling The gut microbiome's role in processing estrogen How patient navigators help women manage their breast cancer journey Overlooked symptoms that deserve attention after treatment Dr. Funk's experience working with Venus Williams At the heart of this conversation is a practical question: What can we change so more women get the food, care, and support they need? 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://pcrm.org/SupportExamRoom 💪 Let's Beat Breast Cancer 👉 https://letsbeatbreastcancer.org 📕 Breasts: The Owners Manual by Dr. Funk 👉 https://link.amazon/B0edhJ8lr ▶️ Venus Williams and Dr. Funk Ad 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH4djQ0OATg Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! Exam Roomie of the Week - Guillermo Irizarry This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Dairy vs. Plant-Based Yogurt: What Matters for Gut Health? | Dr. Alan Desmond
Is yogurt really good for your gut? What about dairy kefir—and are plant-based yogurts a better choice? Gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Desmond joins Chuck Carroll to examine the human research behind some of the biggest claims in the yogurt aisle. They discuss why live cultures do not automatically mean lasting health benefits, where fermented dairy can help people with lactose intolerance, what to look for in a plant-based yogurt, and why your overall eating pattern matters more than one product. Dr. Desmond also talks about his new book, What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Food, and the chapter that has drawn more pushback than any other. In this episode: Yogurt and the microbiome Dairy versus plant-based yogurt Kefir studies Lactose intolerance Fiber and gut health 🙏 Become and Exam Room VIP and get early access to the interview with Dr. Michael Greger before anyone else! 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip 📕 Dr. Alan Desmond Book 👉 https://link.amazon/B028fE68A 📱 Website 👉 https://www.alandesmond.com This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Healthy Ideas For Busy People: Quickies with PlantYou's Carleigh Bodrug
Too tired to cook, but still want a meal you feel good about? PlantYou creator and bestselling cookbook author Carleigh Bodrug joins Chuck Carroll live on The Exam Room to talk about quick, easy plant-based meals for busy people. Carleigh's new cookbook, PlantYou Quickies, is packed with approachable recipes and ideas for the nights when your time and energy are limited. Chuck and Carleigh explore pantry staples, convenient shortcuts, flexible meals, low-effort dinners, and ways to make plant-based cooking feel doable in real life. What would you make with fifteen minutes and the ingredients already in your kitchen? Bring your questions to the live chat and join the conversation. 📕 PlantYou Quickies Book 👉 https://link.amazon/B0bZyi4fT 📱 PlantYou Videos 👉 https://www.instagram.com/plantyou Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! Exam Roomie of the Week - Lorraine Smith 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
Best Iron Sources for a Plant-Based Diet: What to Eat, What to Avoid | Dr. Neal Barnard
Nearly one-third of American adults may have some form of iron deficiency. Does that mean we should be eating more meat—or could that advice create an entirely different set of health problems? Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to examine a Washington Post article recommending meat, poultry, and seafood as sources of highly absorbable heme iron. They also explore the counterargument from Dr. Jim Loomis of Barnard Medical Center, who says beans and greens are the healthier choice. You'll learn how to meet your iron needs while eating a plant-based diet, including the best foods, the importance of vitamin C, and common mistakes that can interfere with absorption. Dr. Barnard also examines the complete nutritional package that comes with each source of iron. How do beans compare with beef when calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, and protein are considered? And what could the choice mean for LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, blood pressure, weight, and other metabolic markers? Plus, discover the potential concerns surrounding heme iron, including its associations with colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress, and type 2 diabetes. Topics discussed include: Heme iron vs. non-heme iron The best plant-based sources of iron Beans, lentils, tofu, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens How vitamin C improves iron absorption Ferritin, hemoglobin, and transferrin saturation When an iron supplement may be necessary The potential risks of taking iron without medical supervision Calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, and fiber in iron-rich foods Heme iron and the risks of cancer and heart disease 🥩 Iron in Meat Linked to Heart Disease 👉 https://bit.ly/meat-iron-risk This episode of The Exam Room Podcast is sponsored by the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund. Our sincere thanks to Alysoun Mahoney and everyone at the fund for their generous support of the Physicians Committee and The Exam Room Podcast. 🙂 Gregery Reiter Fund 👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action
Big Food Controls What You Eat: How To Win at Health Anyway | David Fenton
Why can a fast-food commercial still trigger a craving 16 years after someone stopped eating it? And how can a health movement compete with the enormous marketing power of Big Food? Communications pioneer David Fenton joins Chuck Carroll, who lost nearly 300 pounds, to reveal how advertising, repetition, emotion, and social media shape what people believe—and ultimately what they eat. David has spent more than 50 years helping activists, artists, nonprofits, and social movements make their voices heard. Often called the "Robin Hood of Public Relations," he explains why facts alone rarely change minds, why the most effective messages reach the heart as well as the head, and how one person with a phone can build an extraordinary movement. Chuck also shares his experience weighing 420 pounds, consuming as many as 10,000 calories a day, and battling a severe fast-food addiction. Even after 16 years without fast food, some advertisements can still awaken old cravings. In this episode: How food companies program cravings through repetition Why simple messages are easier to remember and share How small nonprofits can compete with enormous marketing budgets Why stories can persuade people when statistics cannot How one person can mobilize hundreds of thousands of followers Billie Eilish, Support + Feed, and the one-meal plant-based pledge The role of artists and influencers in social change Why hope should lead—and fear should play a smaller role David's largely plant-based journey beginning in a 1970s commune How ordinary people can begin making a difference today 📕 Get David Fenton's Book 👉 https://link.amazon/B0iZiSRlS 🎧 David's Podcast 👉 https://apple.co/3SPi70f - Exam Roomie of the Week - Angela Lugenbeel Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action
The Science of Willpower: How to Make Healthy Habits Stick | Dr. Gemma Newman
Why do some healthy habits become part of your life while others disappear after a few days or weeks? Dr. Gemma Newman joins Chuck Carroll to explore the psychology behind lasting lifestyle change — and why willpower alone may not be enough. They discuss research suggesting that sustainable change is often connected to identity, purpose, personal values, and finding a deeper "why." Dr. Newman also shares her BLEND IT framework for helping patients, friends, and family make healthier choices without lecturing, judging, or telling them what to do. Plus, discover how whole-food plant-based diets may support weight management without constant calorie counting, why high-fiber lower-calorie-density foods can help with hunger, the role of volume eating, and how healthy eating can become something you genuinely enjoy. You'll also hear a deeply personal discussion about compassion, self-worth, motivation, and why major life transitions can sometimes become powerful opportunities for change. Dr. Newman is also the author of Get Well, Stay Well. Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🙏 Dr. Gemma Newman 👉 https://gemmanewman.com 📗 Get Well, Stay Well 👉 https://amzn.to/4r9xHAu This episode is fueled by Dr. Brooke Bussard 👉 https://drbrookebussard.com This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action
Can Chocolate Protect Your Heart? A 21,000-Person Study Found Out | Dr. Howard Sesso
Can chocolate actually protect your heart or are we giving candy a health halo it doesn't deserve? Dr. Howard Sesso from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School joins Chuck Carroll to reveal what the landmark COSMOS trial discovered about cocoa extract, cardiovascular disease and cognition. The randomized clinical trial included more than 21,000 participants. One secondary outcome showed a 27% reduction in cardiovascular disease death among participants assigned to cocoa extract. However, the primary cardiovascular outcome did not reach statistical significance. Dr. Sesso explains what both findings mean and why the distinction matters. You'll also learn: Whether dark or bitter chocolate is automatically healthier The difference between cocoa, cacao and cocoa flavanols Why cocoa powder and cacao nibs may be better choices Cocoa's effects on inflammation and cognition Flavan-3-ols sources and why they matter Why the findings still need to be replicated Exam Roomie of the Week Charles Shryock Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee. All gifts of $20 or more receive a mention on the show. Gifts of $100 or more receive an exclusive Exam Room Podcast tote! 🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom 🍫 COSMOS Trial 👉 https://cosmostrial.org 📗 Howard Sesso Additional Research 👉 https://bit.ly/sesso-research This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle. - About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action