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Join us for an inspiring episode with Dr. Jim Loomis and Chef Caryn Dugan, the dynamic duo behind the YouTube show, The Doc & Chef. Dr. Loomis, Medical Director at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Center for Plant-Based Living, is a specialist in lifestyle medicine who turns complex concepts into easily digestible terms. Chef Caryn Dugan, known as St. Louis Veg Girl and the founder of the Center for Plant-Based Living, transforms nutritional expertise into delicious, accessible meals. Together, they connect the dots between nutrition science and real-world application, offering valuable insights and practical tips for adopting a plant-based diet. Tune in to learn from two leading voices in the world of plant-based nutrition and discover how to make healthy living both achievable and enjoyable!   “The root cause of type two diabetes, despite what people think, it's not sugar or carbs; it's actually fat. Insulin is like a key that unlocks a door in our muscle cells primarily so we c

In this episode, we are joined by Robert Cheeke, the trailblazing "godfather of vegan bodybuilding," New York Times bestselling author, and advocate for compassionate living. With his infectious enthusiasm and dedication, Robert discusses his altruism and his new book, "The Impactful Vegan," which provides practical advice for anyone aiming to make the most impact on behalf of animals and the planet.   “Yes, there's a diversity of approaches that are good to help reduce animal suffering, but some are just quantifiably more effective than others. And if we can put our time and energy into those that are more effective, then that's what effective altruism aims to achieve. And that's what I've discovered through my efforts as well. I identify with being an effective altruist, you know, long before that term was invented about 12 years ago. Of course, I didn't know the term for it, but that's how I lived my life. For the most part, probably for the last 30 years, was how can I do the most good to help those aroun

In a world where petrochemicals and other toxins pervade our clothing and impact our health, we’re thrilled to welcome Lydia Wendt, the visionary Founder and Design Director of California Cloth Foundry, to the show. Throughout her remarkable career, Lydia has worked with iconic designers and brands like Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, and Jones New York. A true pioneer in regenerative fashion, she launched CCF in 2014 to revolutionize the fashion industry through eco-friendly and ethical practices. Tune in to hear about Lydia’s inspiring journey, her innovative approaches to creating sustainable clothing, and practical tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of conventional fashion.   “I was working towards a sustainable fashion job and, you know, moving my career because I had a boatload of knowledge about the toxins and about what we were doing contributing to the rise of fast fashion. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had my second child, and I was breastfeeding her when I was diagno

Today, we host a trailblazer in the world of sports and mentorship. With a professional basketball career that spanned the planet –  including a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters and a Euroleague MVP award – Joseph Blair, also known as The Vegan Coach, brings experience and wisdom to his role as assistant coach for the Washington Wizards.   Off the court, Joseph champions a plant-based lifestyle for its health benefits and its impact on the environment and animal welfare. He is outspoken and passionate, and that is reshaping how fans and athletes think about veganism.   And be sure to check out his Instagram page to watch "The Vegan Diaries," where he takes you to vegan restaurants at home, around the country when he travels with the Wizards, and abroad.   Join us as we learn more about Coach Joseph Blair, from his journey to plant-based living to his insights on how to inspire people, whether it’s to play better ball or to eat vegan.   “So to hate something enough to slaughter it, devour it, that's the nex

Today, we delve into the transformative power of regenerative agriculture! Our guest, Thomas Locke, shares his inspiring journey from a corporate desk job to transforming his family farm in Windom, Texas, into an ecological health and biodiversity model. Discover how he's revolutionizing our food system through regenerative practices. Featured in the Netflix series, "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment," Locke is on a mission to change consumer mindsets around food sourcing and equip the next wave of farmers with the knowledge and tools to embrace sustainable practices. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on regenerative farming and its pivotal role in combating climate change.   “Food is one of the three things that we need the most in life. Food, water, oxygen, and it is probably the most devalued commodity that we have currently because we have such an abundance of it, at this time in our lives. And so my philosophy, you know, and I’m challenged with this all the time, is there someone who lives in t

Our guest today is an expert on all things related to the penis and male reproductive medicine. Although many folks are uncomfortable talking about issues related to the penis, Dr. Arron Spitz normalizes important conversations around it and sexual health. He specializes in male fertility and is a board-certified urologist who has a broad practice that includes nutrition-sensitive intervention. He’s outspoken about common problems like erectile dysfunction and delivers important information to us on today’s show that breaks down some of the age-old penis myths.     You may have seen him in The Gamechangers with Dotsie or even read his book, The Penis Book. Today, we have the honor of sitting down with Dr. Aaron Spitz and learning more about his book; the top reasons for erectile dysfunction, the truth about prostate cancer, and so much more.   “There are men in their 90’s that have normal, healthy erections. But that is the exception rather than the rule. Given that our bodies are going to gradually deteriora

Are you yearning for a healthier lifestyle but feel uncertain about where to begin? Join us in this episode as we delve into the transformative world of whole-food, plant-based living with our guest, Melissa Webster.   Melissa is a certified health coach, holistic nutritionist, and founder of Choosing My Health. She inspires her 70,000 YouTube followers to flourish through plant-based eating, driven by her own journey of overcoming chronic illness. Her fitness expertise, empathy, and unrestrained enthusiasm make her the perfect guide to assist you in your journey to vitality.      In today's conversation, Melissa shares her evolution from a junk food vegan to a proponent of whole food and plant-based nutrition. Discover how dietary choices can address diverse health concerns, from overcoming constipation to combating hair loss and navigating post-pregnancy challenges.   Whether you're a curious newcomer to plant-based eating, a flexitarian, or a committed vegan seeking to optimize your well-being, this episod

If you’ve ever wondered how to make nutritious food taste amazing or what foods boost your health by supporting your gut microbiome, then you’re going to love today’s episode!   Our guest is Desiree Nielsen, a plant-based recipe developer, podcaster, author, and registered dietitian with a focus on plant-based nutrition and gut health. In her new book, "Plant Magic: A Celebration of Plant-Based Cooking for Everyone," Desiree offers a wonderful collection of creative recipes that make incorporating more plants into your diet easy, convenient, and delicious.   If you're a returning listener, you might recall Desiree from her insightful appearance on episode 185, where she shared invaluable knowledge about the gut-brain connection, maintaining healthy inflammatory responses, and the truth about getting enough protein through plants. However, there's still so much more to explore, which is why we're thrilled to welcome her back to the show!   Tune in as Desiree dives deeper into the world of plant-based cuisine,

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Christopher Gardner, a renowned nutrition researcher and Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. In this episode, Dr. Gardner shares his wealth of knowledge and valuable insights into nutrition science, from dissecting popular diets like ketogenic vs. Mediterranean to discussing his groundbreaking study on cardio-metabolic effects in identical twins randomly assigned to vegan or omnivorous diets, featured in the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment."    Throughout the episode, we delve into Dr. Gardner's research, uncover the truth behind diet trends, and hear his practical advice for achieving optimal health.   “So the basic design is it's a randomized dietary trial. It happened to be identical twins, which was very unusual. I've never done it before. Identical twins are absolutely hilarious, but the two diet choices that they had to be willing to be part of either way, whichever way the coin was flipped, was a vegan or an omnivorous diet. And I want t

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Rachael Hunter, a distinguished clinical psychologist and senior lecturer in psychology at Swansea University. Dr. Hunter joins us to delve into her groundbreaking research on "Plant-based Recovery from Restrictive Eating Disorders." Drawing from her wealth of experience working closely with individuals grappling with eating disorders, Dr. Hunter offers valuable insights into the transformative potential of plant-based diets in promoting recovery.   Throughout our conversation, Dr. Hunter shares her deeply personal journey, including her courageous battle against Multiple Sclerosis. We explore the intricate connections between nutrition and mental health, gaining valuable insights into how a plant-based diet can nourish not only the body but also the mind and spirit.    “When I was diagnosed, I came across all of this research, and luckily for me, Professor Jelinek had pulled that work together into the Overcoming MS program. So there were dietary recommendations around a whole

Today, we're diving into the world of sustainable, mouthwatering cuisine with none other than the culinary visionary herself, Carleigh Bodrug.   Carleigh's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up on a farm where meat reigned supreme, she later discovered the alarming truth about red and processed meats being classified as carcinogens by the World Health Organization. This revelation, coupled with her personal experience of her father's battle with colon cancer, propelled her toward a transformative shift in her diet. Fast forward to today, and Carleigh has become a household name, captivating millions with her blog, Plant You, and her latest cookbook, "PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet."   Now, what sets Carleigh's cookbook apart? Well, it's all about scrappy cooking—making delicious, nutritious meals while minimizing food waste. Ever wondered how to turn those food scraps into culinary gold? Carleigh's got you covered!

Our extraordinary guest today is a true adventurer at heart. From hang gliding to paragliding, from flying small planes to training for the US Olympic team as a luger, Caroline Paul’s life is a series of thrilling escapades.   As one of the first female firefighters in the San Francisco Fire Department, Caroline faced challenges head-on. Her autobiography "Fighting Fire" chronicles her remarkable 13-year journey with the department as one of 15 women out of 1500 men. She was also the very first woman on the Rescue team, which was tasked with getting people out of collapsed buildings and finding bodies in the bay. These days, she takes to the skies in a gyrocopter, surfs the San Francisco Bay, and zips through the city streets on her electric skateboard – proving age is just a number.   With seven books under her belt, including a New York Times bestseller, Caroline explores the intersection of outdoor adventure and aging in her latest work, "Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adven

Today, we welcome back Dr. Melanie Joy, a renowned psychologist, author, and advocate for compassionate living. Dr. Joy is the president of Beyond Carnism, a non-profit organization exposing and transforming the invisible belief system that shapes our attitudes toward eating and torturing animals. Her groundbreaking concept, “carnism,” has sparked global conversations about the psychology behind meat consumption and its consequences.   Dr. Joy is also the author of 6 books, and she appeared on our show in episode 52 to discuss her best-seller Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, which unravels how societal conditioning influences our affection for some animals while accepting others as food sources. Today, she’s here to discuss her new book, How to End Injustice Everywhere, and her new website, infighting.org, which addresses internal conflicts within social justice movements and other organizations.   Throughout her career, Dr. Joy’s work has inspired us to question cultural norms and make conscious ch

Ever wonder why some people who get exposed to colds or the flu get really ill while others experience mild symptoms or don’t get sick at all? Fortunately, today’s guest is here to provide answers to this mystery. An authority on the microbiome, Dr. Robynne Chutkan, is here to tell us all about the remarkable flora residing in our intestines and how feeding it the right foods can promote health, prevent disease, and even help us with our weight. Dr. Chutkan is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Georgetown Hospital, founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness, and author of the books Gutbliss, The Microbiome Solution, The Bloat Cure, and her most recent book, The Anti-Viral Gut, where she tackles the complexities of intestinal bacteria and how it relates to our immune system. She’s been a featured expert on several media outlets, including The Today Show and CBS This Morning.    If you’re a person interested in strengthening your immune system, or you’ve experienced digestive troubles, or you’re just hum

Humans are the dominant species on the planet, but we have lost sight of our connection to, and dependence on, an ecosystem that we have pushed dramatically out of balance and to the brink of collapse.   Today’s guest, Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop, is an Australian environmental scientist, and he is passionate about highlighting the influence of our food systems on climate change. Gerard is currently the executive director of the World Preservation Foundation, but for three decades, he monitored vegetation cover and deforestation as the principal scientist with Queensland Government Natural Resources. He’s also appeared in the excellent documentary Eating Our Way to Extinction, which discusses these issues.   From the carbon footprint of raising livestock to ocean degradation, stay with us for this powerful MUST-LISTEN episode as we discuss the connection between animal agriculture and climate change, learn how our everyday choices have far-reaching consequences, and what we can all do right now to make a differ

Around the world, there are tens of billions of non-human animals trapped in the barbaric system of industrial animal agriculture. And unfortunately, that number is increasing. It’s a severe problem, not just for the suffering animals, but for human health and the health of our planet.    Fortunately, there are people dedicating their lives to tackling this issue. And today, we’re joined by one of these remarkable individuals.   Lewis Bollard is a dedicated animal advocate making meaningful change on a global scale. He is the Farm Animal Welfare Director at Open Philanthropy, which is a philanthropic funder addressing important and often neglected causes. Prior to working there, Lewis was the Policy Advisor and International Liaison to the CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.   Join us to hear our illuminating discussion with Lewis as we shine a spotlight on his quest for a more ethical world and his efforts to end factory farming once and for all!    “We chose farm animals just because of the shee

We are very excited to welcome back to the show one of the most visionary minds of our time. He’s an Oscar-winning filmmaker, an award-winning photographer, and a passionate environmental activist. Through his lens, he has captured not only the beauty of our world but also the urgent need to protect it.   From his groundbreaking documentary “The Cove,” which exposed shocking animal abuse in Japan, to his awe-inspiring projects like “Racing Extinction” and “The Game Changers,” Louie Psihoyos has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling to inspire action and ignite change in all of us.   Today, he’s here with us to discuss his new documentary series “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment,” which chronicles the recent Stanford University study that put a group of genetically identical twins on different diets – plant-based and omnivore – for two months to explore how the foods we consume impact the body.   So tune in to this must-listen episode to be inspired and empowered as we explore how what we e

Our remarkable guest today is scientist and acclaimed author Dr. Marion Nestle. She’s a Paulette Goddard Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University and founder of the field of food studies. She’s THE authority on food politics – in fact, she wrote the book on it – and for decades, she has been a transformative figure, working to improve our dietary choices while exposing corporate greed and injustice inherent in the food industry.   Dr. Nestle is the author of a dozen books. She appears in the hit documentary Super Size Me and the new Netflix doc You Are What You Eat, among many others. In 2023, she was awarded the prestigious Edinburgh Medal for Science and Humanities.   So tune in for an illuminating conversation with a crusader who’s dedicated her life to changing our broken food system!   “I finally caught on to agriculture, that you cannot understand why people eat the food they do unless you understand how the agricultural system works. And now everyt

Over 150 million women around the world are on the birth control pill. And while “the pill” has given women the ability to control their fertility, there are things that every woman should know about its effects, short-term and long-term.    Our guest today - professor, research psychologist, and author Dr. Sarah Hill -  is here to discuss her must-read book This Is Your Brain on Birth Control: How the Pill Changes Everything, where she sheds light on all the ways hormonal birth control affects women – the good, the bad, and the unsettling.    So if you’re interested in learning the truth about how the pill could impact your - or someone you love - brain,  sex life,  choice of partners, or even how it’s shaping our society and culture, tune in to be blown away by the information we discuss in this episode!   “I was at a research talk, and one of my colleagues was giving a research presentation on the effects of early life trauma on the stress response, and he’d mentioned in the presentation that they only loo

Today’s exciting guest is a pioneer whose name is synonymous with environmental advocacy – he’s truly the godfather of celebrity environmental activists. In fact, he’s been fighting for the planet for 53 years, and he really practices what he preaches.    Ed Begley Jr. came to prominence as Dr. Victor Ehrlich in the groundbreaking hit series St. Elsewhere, which earned him six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. He has appeared in high-profile films like Goin’ South, Best in Show, Pineapple Express, and hit television shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, Better Call Saul, and as college professor Dr. Grant Linklater in Young Sheldon.   Today, this acting icon with a passion for protecting our ecosystem has joined us to discuss his revealing and humorous memoir To the Temple of Tranquility… And Step On It, his on-the-set adventures, his struggles with addiction, his health journey, and his extraordinary commitment to our planet.    “People at that point