The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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

Can an athlete become stronger, recover faster, and clean and jerk more than 440 pounds without eating meat?

Three-time Olympian Kendrick Farris says the answer is yes.

Kendrick represented the United States at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games and was featured in the hit documentary The Game Changers. He ate a standard American diet during his first two Olympic appearances. By his third, he was completely plant-based—and he says the difference was extraordinary.

Kendrick tells Chuck Carroll that he did not lose explosiveness after changing his diet. He believes he gained more, recovered faster, completed more work, and became stronger.

He also opens up about growing up in poverty in Shreveport, Louisiana, where there were days when his family did not have enough food. When he asked his mother what they were eating, her answer was sometimes, "Fast and pray." That experience helped build the faith and discipline that would eventually carry him to the Olympic stage.

In this episode:

• How much protein an Olympic weightlifter eats
• How his performance changed after going plant-based
• His experience competing nine times in one year
• Why recovery became his greatest advantage
• Why he replaced whey with plant-based protein
• The bloating he experienced before changing protein sources
• How to order plant-based food at any restaurant
• What The Game Changers did for plant-based athletes
• Why he believes strength is physical, mental, and spiritual

The Physicians Committee's Plant-Powered Performance sports nutrition course begins Sept. 14 and features live instruction, expert Q&A, recordings, athlete-focused recipes, and practical strategies for improving energy, endurance, strength, and recovery.

🎉 PCRM Sports Nutrition Course

👉 https://bit.ly/PlantBasedAthletePCRM

🏋🏿‍♂️ Kendrick Farris

👉 https://blessthegymforever.com

🙏 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

Can fiber be even more important than protein for athletic performance, muscle health, and healthy aging?

Dr. Regan A. Stiegmann and Dr. Sharon McDowell-Larsen join "The Exam Room Podcast" to challenge some of the biggest assumptions in fitness and sports nutrition.

Dr. McDowell-Larsen is an exercise physiologist, nine-time Ironman finisher, and age-group world champion who remains an elite competitor at 65. She reveals how changing her diet helped resolve debilitating breathing problems, eliminate her need for three asthma medications, and revive an athletic career she thought was over.

Dr. Stiegmann is a former U.S. Air Force major and flight surgeon who helped advance lifestyle and performance medicine in the military. She explains why nutrition can influence everything from muscle recovery and cognitive performance to military readiness and long-term health.

Together, they explore the emerging gut-muscle connection and explain why America's obsession with protein may be causing athletes to overlook fiber.

In this episode:

• Why protein alone may not prevent age-related muscle loss
• How fiber supports muscle, bone, and metabolic health
• What a 65-year-old Ironman champion eats in a typical day
• The relationship between gut health and muscle function
• Why exercise cannot erase the effects of a poor diet
• The potential risks of extreme endurance exercise
• How a plant-based diet may improve recovery
• Why some professional athletes keep plant-based eating a secret
• How daily choices determine the trajectory of aging

Dr. Stiegmann and Dr. McDowell-Larsen are the co-authors of "Staying in the Game," an evidence-based guide to maintaining physical, mental, and metabolic performance throughout life.

The six-week online course begins Sept. 14 and features live instruction, expert Q&A, recordings, athlete-focused recipes, and practical strategies for improving energy, endurance, strength, and recovery.

Chuck and professional wrestler Dan Healy, known to wrestling fans as Austin Aries, will be among the featured presenters.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🎉 PCRM Sports Nutrition Course

👉 https://bit.ly/PlantBasedAthletePCRM

📕 Staying In The Game Book

👉 https://amzn.to/3UUx5T4

🚴‍♀️ Sharen McDowell-Larsen Substack

👉 https://sharonmcdowelllarsen.substack.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

Why does healthy eating feel so hard—even when we know exactly what to do?

Dr. Doug Lisle joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to explain the psychology behind The Pleasure Trap and why today's food environment may be even more difficult to navigate than it was two decades ago.

Dr. Lisle is the co-author of The Pleasure Trap and a longtime voice in evolutionary psychology. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on why highly processed foods can be so alluring, why shame and willpower are not enough, and how people can build a more sustainable whole-food plant-based way of eating.

In this episode:

• Why the modern food environment can feel impossible to escape
• The psychology of pleasure, pain avoidance, and habit
• Why healthy diets can fail when they feel too restrictive
• Dr. Lisle's "vegan Bushman" approach to calorie density and satisfaction
• What he thinks about GLP-1 weight-loss medications
• How to judge dietary progress without obsessing over daily scale changes
• A preview of his upcoming book, Sherlock Holmes and the Secret of Life

Dr. Lisle will also be joining Chuck at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas, September 4–6. Chef AJ, Dr. Michael Greger, Dr. Brooke Goldner, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Columbus Batiste, and many more will be there, too.

Can't make it to Vegas? Watch all three days live from anywhere with replay access for a full year. This is Chef AJ's last event for a long while, so don't miss it.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Evan Haas
• Lucy EverHope

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

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

📕 The Pleasure Trap

👉 https://amzn.to/4xX1hes

📗 Sherlock Holmes and the Secret of Life

👉 https://bit.ly/SherlockLisleBook

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 food really be medicine? Dr. Ron Weiss is a physician who believes the answer starts long before a meal reaches your plate—it starts in the soil.

In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Chuck Carroll visits with Dr. Weiss about his unique model of care at Ethos Farm in New Jersey, where regenerative farming and lifestyle-based primary care come together. They explore why soil health matters, what "living soil" means, and how whole plant foods can become a practical, powerful part of a healthier life.

Dr. Weiss also shares how he helps patients make lasting changes without turning healthy eating into an impossible all-or-nothing assignment. From the first plant-based meal to a more intentional plate, this is a conversation about making better health feel more approachable.

You'll learn:

• Why Dr. Weiss says the first priority is to eat more whole plants
• What regenerative farming and healthy soil have to do with the food we eat
• How minimally processed plant foods differ from heavily processed options
• Why a healthy lifestyle should be practical, personal, and sustainable
• What patients can expect from Dr. Weiss's farm-based model of care
• How coaching, lab work, and lifestyle changes can fit into a long-term health plan
• Why community support can make healthy change easier to maintain
• How to take your first realistic step toward eating more plant-based foods

Dr. Weiss will also be joining Chuck, Chef AJ, Carleigh Bodrug from PlantYou, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and others at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas, September 4–6, 2026. It's a full weekend of inspiring speakers, practical presentations, delicious plant-based food, and community. Join in person or watch online from anywhere.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Meng Tee
• Andrea Bonnett
• Carolyn Doyle

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

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🩺 Ethos Primary Care

👉 https://ethosprimarycare.com

🥕 Ethos Farm

👉 https://ethosfarmtohealth.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 action

Dr. Dawn Mussallem survived stage 4 cancer, received a heart transplant, and became the first person in history to complete a full marathon just one year later.

Her remarkable story doesn't end there.

After experiencing unimaginable loss, Dawn found new love in the produce aisle—thanks to a purple sweet potato. And after 25 years at Mayo Clinic, she is beginning another major chapter as chief medical officer at Fountain Life.

Dawn joins Chuck Carroll to share her extraordinary journey and the health lessons she has learned along the way.

They discuss:

• The difference between longevity and health span
• The foods associated with healthier aging
• Why fiber may be one of the most overlooked health tools
• Protein needs for active adults and people taking GLP-1 medications
• The surprising reason Dawn developed prediabetes
• How sleep can affect blood sugar
• Personalized nutrition and the gut microbiome
• Her historic marathon after receiving a heart transplant
• Finding new love in the produce aisle
• Her major career move after 25 years at Mayo Clinic

Chuck and Dawn will both appear at the Plant Powered Party, September 4–6 in Las Vegas. Explore the complete speaker lineup, schedule, tickets, and current virtual-access information at the link below.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🎉 Dr. Dawn Mussallem

👉 https://dr-dawn.co

This episode is powered by Dr. Brooke Bussard — a lifestyle medicine health coach who believes in the power of plants to maximize wellness.

👉 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

Brenda Workman transformed her health. Now she is working to transform an entire state.

After losing 60 pounds and getting off cholesterol and blood pressure medication with a plant-based diet, Brenda became a Food for Life instructor and dedicated herself to improving health in her home state of West Virginia.

She teaches cooking classes, speaks to nursing students and businesses, appears on television, and trains community organizations to bring practical nutrition education to the people they serve.

In this inspiring conversation with Chuck Carroll, Brenda explains why personal stories can reach people when facts alone cannot, how to talk about healthy eating without creating defensiveness, and why you should never wait for your family to change before taking responsibility for your own health.

🧠 You'll also learn:

• How to eat plant-based when your family isn't plant-based
• Why respect is more effective than shame
• How to cook healthy food for one or two people
• Ways to make plant-based eating practical and affordable
• How Brenda is training others to teach healthy cooking
• Why delicious food is essential for lasting change

Brenda's Wellness Weekend is coming to Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia on October 9–10, 2026. Chuck will be there with Brenda, Cyrus Khambatta, and Kylie Buckner from Evolution Health for presentations, workshops, exercise, delicious plant-based food, and an unforgettable fall weekend.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Barbara Kurtzweil
• Kelly Bonnell
• Marjorie Lewis

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

📘 Wellness Weekend Tickets

👉 https://bit.ly/WellnessWeekendWV

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