Food, We Need To Talk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, we’re covering a topic we’ve never tackled before: self-defense. Our guest, Meg Stone, author of The Cost of Fear, explains why most self-defense advice is outdated, fear-based, and often ineffective—plus what actually works. We discuss how to recognize coercion, set verbal boundaries, and use simple but powerful physical techniques to protect yourself. Meg also shares how learning self-defense can boost confidence in all areas of life. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly stay safe, this episode is a must-listen! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode, we dive into all the ways to make exercise a habit so it feels as automatic as brushing your teeth. We talk about the power of sticking to a routine, reducing friction by prepping ahead, and why putting on your workout clothes might just be your secret weapon. Plus, we share how accountability buddies can turn workouts from a chore into something you actually look forward to. If you’re ready to make exercise less of a struggle and more of a lifestyle, this one’s for you! To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! Thank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode, we’re tackling the start-and-stop cycle of exercise. Why is something so good for us so hard to stick with? Yuna and Eddie share their personal struggles with getting active, the surprising psychology behind building a lasting habit, and why the key might just be finding an activity you actually enjoy. From overcoming the dreaded first few weeks to the science of small wins, we’re breaking down how to make exercise a sustainable part of your life. For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! If you want more, check out our book! Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It’s halfway through January—how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? If you’ve already skipped a workout or broken that new diet, you’re not alone. In this special episode, we’re sharing our feature on theDiabetes Digital Podcast, where we talk about why so many resolutions fizzle out and how to create sustainable health goals that actually stick. Forget the all-or-nothing mindset—it’s not too late to reset! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this episode, we’re diving into the science of the ultimate nighttime routine! From setting the perfect sleep-friendly temperature to why you should (finally) put your phone away before bed, we’re breaking down simple habits to help you wind down and sleep better. Plus, do red light bulbs, evening alarms, or skipping that late-night snack really make a difference? Tune in to learn how to optimize your evenings and wake up feeling refreshed! To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! Thank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going! For weekly notes on our episodes, sign up for the Food We Need to Talk newsletter! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG! Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In our first episode of 2025, we’re diving into one of the biggest wellness trends—morning routines. From drinking water and getting sunlight to cold plunges and journaling, we’re breaking down which habits are actually backed by science and which ones are just Instagram fluff. We’ll share simple, evidence-based tips to help you build a morning routine that boosts your energy, mood, and focus—no three-hour rituals required. Grab your coffee (or water bottle), and let’s kick off the year with habits that actually work! For weekly episodes, come join the Foodie Fam! Check out our book! Chat with us on IG @foodweneedtotalk! Be friends with Juna on Instagram and Tiktok!

Many people set exercise goals without a clear understanding of why they want to pursue them. Here we discuss the importance of finding a deeper purpose or "why" with your fitness journey. Whether it's reducing pain, being more active with family, or finding joy in movement, having a profound reason enhances long-term commitment. For daily episodes all of January, come join the Foodie Fam!

In day two of our daily episode series, we’re discussing the importance of consistency. In the New Year, it can be tempting to make big goals and come out blazing, but our real goal is to make exercise a habit for the rest of our lives. We discuss the importance of consistency over intensity, how to plan for setbacks, and using the power of habits and routines. Check out our episode on habit formation. For daily episodes all of January, come join the Foodie Fam!

Happy New Year!! Last year, we created a special daily exercise series, and since we have so many new listeners, we thought it would be worth a replay since so many of you loved it last year. Every single day this month, we're dropping a mini-episode geared towards helping people with the most common New Year's resolution: to exercise more. This series is meant to be hyper-practical, tackling things like finding a routine, overcoming gym anxiety, creating consistency and so much more! (Including a deep dive into Eddie's gym fashion.) In this episode, we discuss the best ways to set goals for the New Year. We talk about the importance of setting specific and measurable goals, as well as how to use your own brain chemistry to help you achieve your new habits. Check out last year’s episode on the science of New Year’s resolutions! For daily episodes all of January, join the Foodie Fam!

In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the year and share the lessons we’ve learned—big and small. From embracing change and trying new things (hello, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and puppy parenthood!) to finding gratitude in what we can control, we’re getting honest about growth, mindset shifts, and figuring out what really matters. We also get a little philosophical about adaptability, balance, and learning to appreciate what we already have—even if it doesn’t always look the way we expected. Plus, we’re spilling the tea on how our dogs completely took over our lives (and hearts) this year. Join us for laughs, insights, and plenty of feel-good vibes as we wrap up 2024! To hear the rest of this week’s bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam! https://www.patreon.com/FWNTT Thank you for your support, it’s what keeps the show going! Check out our book: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/food-we-need-to-talk/ Chat with us on IG! https://www.instagram.com/foodweneedtotalk/?hl=en Be friends with Juna on IG and Tiktok! https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/ https://www.tiktok.com/@junagjata