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 combines the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of nearly one million members and supporters worldwide. 

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

What happens when you know exactly what you should do for your health but you still don't do it?

Motivation may not be the answer.

Best-selling author and performance expert Alan Stein Jr. joins Dr. Hana Kahleova and Chuck Carroll to reveal the "next play" mindset that can help you bounce back from bad decisions, stop self-sabotage, and become more consistent with your health.

Before becoming a keynote speaker, Alan spent 20 years in basketball performance and had the opportunity to observe some of the greatest athletes in the world, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.

What separates elite performers isn't perfection. They miss shots. They have bad days. They make mistakes.

The difference is what they do next.

In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, you'll learn how to stop one unhealthy meal from becoming an unhealthy week, why emotions should inform your decisions rather than control them, how to build discipline when motivation disappears, and why your environment may matter more than willpower.

Chuck also opens up about weighing 420 pounds and eating as many as 10,000 calories of fast food a day — and why he is learning to have compassion for the person he used to be instead of continuing to punish himself for the past.

Plus, Alan shares the daily routines that help him protect his mindset and explains why small wins eventually become enormous changes.

Your last play is over.

What will you do next?

Exam Roomies of the Week

Yvonne Brinson Ilaria Ottino Ken Swartz

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

 

📘 Next Play by Alan Stein Jr. 

👉 https://amzn.to/4quiIkk

 

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

Chef AJ has been through one of the hardest chapters of her life. But she is still laughing. Still exercising. Still showing up. Still making plans. And most importantly, still finding reasons to enjoy life.

In this deeply personal and often hilarious conversation, Chef AJ joins Chuck Carroll to talk about continuing to move forward despite health challenges, treatment and unexpected obstacles. She shares why improv comedy and exercise remained priorities even during some of her most difficult days—and why doing the things that make you feel better can matter most when you least feel like doing them.

Chuck and AJ also open up about the friendship they've developed while both navigating their own health challenges and the messages of encouragement they've exchanged along the way.

Plus, Chef AJ talks about laughter, improv, overcoming fear, taking chances, creating your own luck and why sometimes the first step forward is the hardest—and most important—one.

And there is plenty of fun ahead!

Chef AJ is hosting the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas September 4–6, where Chuck will also be appearing along with an incredible lineup of plant-based doctors, chefs and experts. Can't make it to Las Vegas? You can join the party virtually from anywhere in the world and watch online. Use the link in the episode notes to learn more.

This is a conversation about friendship, resilience and finding joy even when life doesn't go according to plan.

Never stop moving forward.

Exam Roomies of the Week

Hemma Werner Gail Sears Anette Cathrine Nedreli

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

 

📕 Chef AJ Books

👉 https://amzn.to/3U4HTxB

 

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

Is meat really masculine or could it be causing erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to examine the connection between meat, blood flow, heart health, testosterone, muscle, fertility, prostate health, and ED.

Dr. Barnard explains why erectile dysfunction may sometimes appear before more obvious signs of cardiovascular disease. He also discusses whether meat actually improves testosterone or muscle growth, how a high-fat meal may affect athletic performance, and why strong muscles on the outside do not always mean healthy arteries on the inside.

You'll also learn:

How quickly circulation may begin to improve after changing your diet Why plant foods can provide the protein needed to build muscle The possible connection between dairy, fertility, and prostate health What a practical day of eating for men's health could look like Why tomatoes, beans, whole grains, and other plant foods deserve a place on the menu

Plus, Chuck and Dr. Barnard preview the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, happening August 13–15 in Washington, D.C.

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

Use code EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Teri Lynn Yunus, NP Kathy D'Ambrosio Joanne Pinner, MSN

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 actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Can you lower LDL cholesterol by changing the foods you eat?

 

Dr. David Jenkins, the pioneering nutrition researcher behind the Portfolio Diet, joins Chuck Carroll to explain how a carefully selected combination of foods may help bring cholesterol under control.

 

Dr. Jenkins reveals why oats and barley may be particularly effective for lowering cholesterol, how their sticky soluble fiber interacts with bile acids, and why simply telling someone to "eat more fiber" may not be specific enough.

 

You'll also learn:

The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol Whether dietary cholesterol is necessary for good health How the Portfolio Diet was developed Why soy may lower LDL while replacing less healthy proteins The difference between fats from plants and animals Why nuts can be beneficial despite being high in fat and calories What extra-virgin olive oil may offer beyond unsaturated fat How plant-based eating can benefit human and planetary health Why partial dietary changes can still be meaningful How diet may be used alongside cholesterol-lowering medication

 

Dr. Jenkins is a professor of medicine and nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto and one of the world's leading researchers on diet, cholesterol, diabetes, plant protein, and soluble fiber.

 

Hear more from Dr. Jenkins at the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, Aug. 13–15, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

Use code EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Michelle Walker Steven Alongi Todd Lindley

 

Support The Exam Room Podcast and Physicians Committee and hear your name mentioned on the show!

 

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.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz returns with a complete guide to constipation, including the symptoms many people overlook even when they are having a bowel movement every day.

Dr. B joins Chuck Carroll to explain the different patterns of constipation, including slow transit, pelvic-floor or outlet dysfunction, IBS with constipation, and the surprisingly common problem of a digestive system that has simply fallen out of rhythm.

They also discuss the morning habits that may help train your body when to go, foods associated with constipation relief, magnesium and fiber supplements, questions surrounding long-term laxative use, and why a full colon can contribute to bloating, nausea, early fullness, and loss of appetite.

Chuck shares his own experience after years of severe constipation and reveals the routine that has helped him become more regular while improving his bloating and appetite.

🧠 You'll learn:

Why your bowel movements should generally follow a pattern How a morning routine may help train your body when to go The connection between constipation, bloating, nausea, and appetite Foods associated with constipation relief, including kiwi, prunes, and chia seeds The forms of magnesium Dr. B discusses for constipation Concerns surrounding long-term laxative use Why several days without a bowel movement followed by diarrhea may still be constipation How travel can throw your digestive system completely out of rhythm

Plus, Dr. B explains why going several days without a bowel movement followed by diarrhea may still be a constipation problem.

Exam Roomies of the Week

Javier Santiago Dr. Mickey Witte Kimberly Cadieux 

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

 

🩺 38 Tera DMN and RCE

👉 https://www.38tera.com

 

🩺 Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Courses

👉 https://www.theguthealthmd.com

 

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

Can trying to eat perfectly actually make you less healthy?

Dr. Matthew Lederman joins Chuck Carroll to explore the hidden connection between food perfectionism, fear, chronic stress, gut health, sleep, and the nervous system.

A nutritious diet remains an essential foundation for good health. But what happens when healthy choices are driven by anxiety? When a small amount of oil, salt, or sugar feels dangerous? Or when every unexplained symptom sends you searching for another food intolerance, supplement, or dietary rule?

Dr. Lederman explains why two people can eat the same healthy meal while experiencing completely different physiological responses. One may be eating from joy and self-care. The other may be eating from fear—and that fear can keep the body locked in a state of heightened vigilance.

Chuck also shares candid stories from his own health journey, including the years when strict food rules created additional stress and the relief he experienced after allowing himself greater flexibility.

🧠 You'll learn:

When discipline may actually be fear in disguise How stress and perceived danger can affect the gut Why a "perfect" diet cannot address every health problem The relationship between nervous-system regulation and sleep How to build healthy habits that feel sustainable and enjoyable Why health should make your life feel bigger—not smaller

Dr. Matthew Lederman is a board-certified internal medicine physician, medical strategist, and Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication.

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Kay Gustin Kathleen Herman Ruth Allstadt

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

 

🩺 Connection Docs

👉 https://www.connectiondocs.com

 

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

Are Impossible Burgers and fake meats worse for you than a steak or hamburger?

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to examine one of today's biggest nutrition debates. A veggie burger and a beef burger may both be classified as processed, but does that make them nutritionally equal? What about plant milk versus dairy milk, packaged cereal versus bacon and eggs, or a protein bar versus a cheeseburger?

Dr. Barnard explains what "ultra-processed" actually means, why certain foods can encourage overeating, and whether the widely used NOVA classification system paints with too broad a brush. He also explores why saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, calorie density, and a food's source may matter just as much as—or more than—the number of ingredients on its label.

🧠 You'll learn:

Whether all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy How a veggie burger compares with a beef burger Whether plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are healthy Why ultra-processed foods may interfere with fullness Which additives and ingredients deserve a closer look The packaged plant-based foods Dr. Barnard considers reasonable choices What to look for first on a nutrition label How to make healthier choices when time and money are limited

 

The conversation also previews the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, happening Aug. 13–15, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Dr. Barnard will be joined by more than 30 leading experts for presentations on ultra-processed foods, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diabetes, heart disease, the gut microbiome, pain, cancer prevention, kidney health, the new Dietary Guidelines, and much more.

Exam Roomies of the Week

Atchareeya Archatawan William Klein Sali Ortiz

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

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg's passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial 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.

Junk food was harder for Susan Peirce Thompson to quit than crack cocaine.

 

The founder and CEO of Bright Line Eating joins Chuck Carroll for a deeply personal conversation about food addiction, compulsive eating, cravings, and long-term weight loss.

 

Susan shares her remarkable journey from crystal meth and crack addiction to becoming a PhD and internationally recognized expert in the psychology of eating. She explains why food addiction can be uniquely difficult to overcome when triggers are everywhere and eating remains necessary for survival.

 

Chuck also revisits his own addiction-driven 10,000-calorie days, including a daily Taco Bell meal containing more than 4,000 calories.

 

Together, they explore the foods that may be most addictive, dopamine downregulation, ultra-processed foods, the return of cravings years into recovery, and the personal guardrails that can help someone finally break free.

 

Susan also shares lessons from her book Maintain and explains why lasting weight loss is not simply about completing a diet. It requires a fundamental shift in identity and becoming devoted to the habits that support your health.

 

Susan also explains why a person's recovery plan must be individualized and why occasionally experiencing a craving does not mean that years of progress have been lost.

 

Chuck and Susan will be speaking at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas with Chef AJ, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and many others. Tickets are available now for the Labor Day weekend bash.

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Peggy Fuchs Monna Throop Kathleen Adamson

 

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

 

📕 Maintain Book

👉 https://amzn.to/4wjv4Oa

 

❓Food Addiction Quiz

👉 https://www.foodaddictionquiz.com

 

🍽️ Bright Line Eating

👉 https://www.brightlineeating.com

 

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

 

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.

Why do chronic diseases remain so common when we have more medicine and medical technology than ever before?

Chuck Carroll is joined by two leading physicians for a powerful live conversation about what truly creates health.

Dr. Columbus Batiste is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and passionate advocate for protecting the heart through lifestyle. Dr. Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician, nutritional researcher, and seven-time New York Times bestselling author. Learn about Dr. Batiste and Dr. Fuhrman.

Recorded at the National Health Association Conference, this conversation explores:

Why medicine alone may not be enough to create lasting health How food and daily habits influence chronic disease The effects of stress on the heart and body Why people sabotage their health despite knowing what to do How movement, sleep, gratitude, and community support longevity What doctors can do to better connect with and motivate patients How to turn health information into sustainable change

Exam Roomies of the Week

Chuck's mom, Ann Carroll Daria Dreher Sheral Lee Schowe

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

 

🍽️ Food For Life Instructor Applications

👉 https://bit.ly/food-for-life-instructor

 

🩺 Dr. Joel Fuhrman

👉 https://www.drfuhrman.com

 

🩺 Dr. Columbus Batiste

👉 https://drbatiste.com

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

Erling Haaland eats six meals and roughly 6,000 calories every day to fuel his extraordinary performance on the soccer field. But should anyone else be eating like him?

 

Haaland's highly publicized routine includes raw milk, beef liver, cow heart, steak, eggs, fish, pasta, vegetables, and honey. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard joins "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll to examine whether the foods powering one of the world's greatest athletes could create serious health risks for the average person.

 

Dr. Barnard explores the immediate food-safety concerns surrounding raw milk and the potential problems associated with regularly consuming organ meats. Could highly concentrated amounts of dietary cholesterol, heme iron, vitamin A, and copper become too much of a good thing?

 

🧠 You will also learn:

Why an elite athlete may require thousands more calories than the average person Whether eating six meals a day provides a metabolic advantage The difference between short-term athletic performance and long-term health Why looking lean and powerful does not necessarily reveal what is happening inside the body Healthier ways to fuel exercise, recovery, strength, and endurance

 

This is not about criticizing Haaland's talent or discipline. It is about understanding why a diet created for an extraordinary athlete should not automatically become a nutrition plan for everyone else.

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Roy Wessbecher LuAnne Siwiec Isabel Fernandes, PhD

 

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 sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg's passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

 

🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund

👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets!

 

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.

Krista Ryan survived the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas. Years later, she faced another life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer.

 

Four surgeries, chemotherapy, an ileostomy, and a difficult recovery followed.

 

But Krista kept going.

 

She joins Chuck Carroll to share the resilience philosophy she calls KFG: Know, Focus, Go. The initials also carry another, considerably more forceful meaning that captures the determination required to move forward when life becomes unimaginably difficult.

 

Krista explains why true resilience does not mean hiding fear or pretending that everything is fine. She shares how allowing herself to feel anger, grief, and vulnerability ultimately gave her more strength.

 

You will also hear how a brief conversation with another cancer survivor prompted Krista to seek testing, what it was like to tell her children about the diagnosis, how humor helped her through treatment, and why even the smallest action can be a meaningful act of perseverance.

 

This episode is for anyone living with illness, recovering from trauma, supporting someone they love, or searching for the courage to write the next chapter of their story.

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Jennifer Rogers Danica Brooks X-tine Goodreau

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

 

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

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📕 KFG Book

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💪 Krista Ryan 

👉 https://www.kristaryan.com

 

PCRM Cancer Resources

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/health-topics/cancer

 

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.

A leading gastroenterologist reveals that many doctors are never taught about food, nutrition, and the diseases that can been prevented with diet education.

 

Dr. Alan Desmond joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to discuss his new book, What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Food, and the conversations he believes every doctor should be having with patients.

 

Why do so many doctors avoid talking about nutrition? Are carbs really bad for you? Should healthy people worry about glucose spikes? Do GLP-1 medications fix the root problem? And what does the gut microbiome have to do with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, and long-term health?

 

🧠 You will learn:

The food conversations doctors and patients should be having Why nutrition training is still limited in medical school How food became a major driver of chronic disease The truth about carbs and blood sugar spikes What GLP-1 medications can and cannot do Why "30 plants a week" is helpful but not magic The role of fiber, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables How diet can work alongside modern medicine Why gut health remains central to overall health

Dr. Desmond also discusses the science behind plant-based nutrition, the power of simple dietary changes, and why building a healthier food environment may be one of the most important steps anyone can take.

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Eric Knepper Christina Clifford

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

 

📕 What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Food

👉 https://amzn.to/4vSO460

 

🩺 Dr. Alan Desmond

👉 https://www.alandesmond.com

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

The president of the American Medical Association became the patient after being diagnosed with a large brain tumor.

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, immediate past president of the AMA, joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about how his diagnosis changed the way he sees health care, medicine, prevention, access, and the patient experience.

Dr. Mukkamala opens up about being diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma, the shock of seeing an eight-centimeter brain tumor on his scan, and what it felt like to suddenly experience the health care system from the other side of the exam room. He also reflects on the extraordinary care he received at Mayo Clinic and the difficult reality that most people do not have access to that same level of care.

The conversation also explores the crushing cost of medication, including a new treatment that can cost nearly $900 per day, and why medical bills remain such a devastating burden for so many families.

Chuck and Dr. Mukkamala also discuss lifestyle medicine, plant-based nutrition, the future of health care, dietary guidelines, health equity, and why progress can still be powerful even when perfection is not realistic.

This interview was recorded at the Lotus Health Foundation Symposium in Rochester, Minnesota, just days before Chuck's major surgery at Mayo Clinic. At the time of the conversation, Dr. Mukkamala was still serving as president of the American Medical Association.

Topics discussed include:

What happens when a doctor becomes the patient Brain tumor diagnosis and recovery The emotional impact of serious illness Health care access and inequality The high cost of prescription medication Mayo Clinic and world-class care Lifestyle medicine and disease prevention Plant-based nutrition and health The role of doctors in improving public health Why progress over perfection matters

Exam Roomies of the Week

Carol Kimsey MJ Donahue Tomi Gail Lemmen

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee: PCRM.org/SupportExamRoom

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

🌱 Lotus Health Foundation

👉 https://lotushealthfoundation.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.

Billy Bob Thornton stopped eating dairy after discovering it was causing health problems. But is that a healthy decision?

 

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to separate fact from fiction.

 

Could milk and cheese be behind symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, skin issues, congestion, brain fog, or feeling sick after eating?

 

Dr. Barnard explains the difference between a true dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, and dairy sensitivity. He also discusses what PCRM research shows about dairy, saturated fat, cancer risk, heart health, and the health benefits of choosing dairy alternatives.

 

Then we look at Thornton's wheat sensitivity. What is a true wheat allergy? How is it different from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? And when should someone get tested before removing gluten from their diet?

 

Plus, Billy Bob Thornton also said he eats for his AB-negative blood type. Dr. Barnard explains what the research actually says about blood-type diets, and whether blood type should determine what you eat.

 

🧠 In this episode:

Billy Bob Thornton's dairy-free and wheat-free diet Dairy allergy vs. lactose intolerance Common symptoms of dairy intolerance How quickly symptoms may improve after removing dairy PCRM research on dairy and health risks Best plant-based dairy alternatives Wheat allergy vs. celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity Gluten-free diets and when they are necessary AB-negative blood type statistics The truth about blood-type diets Dr. Barnard's research on plant-based diets and blood type

Exam Roomies of the Week

Andreas Ebert Kris Grabowski Laurie Rowe

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

 

This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg's passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

 

🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund
👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

What if your doctor had time to actually listen to you?

Anthony Masiello, Founder and CEO of Lifestyle Telemedicine, joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast for a powerful conversation about what health care can look like when the focus shifts from simply managing symptoms to addressing the root causes of chronic disease.

Anthony shares his own incredible story of being denied a 20-year life insurance policy because of his health — only to outlive that policy and become healthier than he was two decades ago.

Now he is helping others take control of their health through lifestyle medicine, telemedicine, whole food plant-based nutrition, better sleep, stress management, movement, and real physician support.

🧠 In this episode:

Why your current health is not your destiny How Anthony lost 160 pounds and reclaimed his health Why comparison can derail progress How to build habits that actually last Why cheat days can create mental chaos How family pressure can make healthy eating harder What a Lifestyle Telemedicine appointment is really like The role of sleep, stress, movement, and purpose in healing Why America may need a Super Bowl commercial for lifestyle medicine How to move beyond "there's a pill for everything" thinking

This is a hopeful conversation for anyone who has felt dismissed, stuck, overmedicated, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.

Exam Roomies of the Week

Michelle Oberg Lori Vitello  Cheow Meng Tee, MD 

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

 

🌱 Lifestyle Telemedicine
👉 https://lifestyletelemedicine.com

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

Fast food doesn't have to be junk food. Carleigh Bodrug from PlantYou is here to prove that!

 

The recipe genius, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and social media powerhouse joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to share the fastest ways to make healthy plant-based meals when life is busy, groceries are expensive, and takeout is calling your name.

 

Carleigh's new cookbook, PlantYou Quickies, features more than 140 fast plant-based recipes for busy people, including five-minute prep ideas, Dump & Bake dinners, and S.O.S. Suppers — Save Our Sanity meals for the nights when you almost order delivery.

 

🧠 In this conversation, Carleigh and Chuck talk about:

Quick healthy meals when you have no time Easy plant-based dinner shortcuts Frozen vegetables and pantry staples that save money High-fiber meals and plant diversity Plant Points for gut health Raising a plant-based family Healthy meals for busy parents How to make comfort foods healthier Why takeout tastes better when it is a choice, not desperation

Carleigh also shares details about PlantYou Quickies, her favorite recipe shortcuts, and a special pre-order bonus for Exam Roomies.

 

She is offering a six-month membership to her weekly plant-based meal plans and shopping lists for anyone who preorders PlantYou Quickies, so you can get cooking right away. Email a screenshot or photo of your receipt to support at plantyou.com, and mention you heard about it on The Exam Room Podcast.

 

Exam Roomies of the Week

Annie Frassinello Earsley, RD Deborah J. Colbert Todd Ormsby

 

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

 

📕 PlantYou Quickies Book Pre-Orders
👉 https://amzn.to/4eTFWvT

 

🌱 Carleigh Bodrug Website
👉 https://plantyou.com

 

💪 NHA Conference in Cleveland
👉 https://bit.ly/NHAConf2026

 

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

 

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.

The biggest and healthiest changes in your community can begin with one person.   Lyn Grady is a Food For Life instructor with the Physicians Committee who is helping people understand food as medicine, one class at a time.   In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Lyn joins Chuck Carroll to talk about why so many people are confused by food labels, why "healthy" marketing can be so misleading, and how Food For Life classes help people build confidence in the kitchen.   She shares stories from her classes, including the moment someone worried about the sugar in fruit after eating coffee cake, and an athlete who thought he was drinking a healthy aloe juice until Lyn showed him the label said zero percent juice.   This conversation is about more than food. It is about community, education, generational health, and becoming the person who helps others take their first step toward a healthier life.   Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Food For Life instructor training.   🧠 In this episode: Why Food For Life is not a diet How "healthy" labels can mislead shoppers Why fruit is not the same as cake How cooking classes build community Why Food For Life instructors can create generational health What the instructor training is like How to apply to become an instructor

Exam Roomies of the Week

Gary Hunt Susan Johnson Mark Reis-Henrie This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.   🍽️ Food For Life Instructor Applications 👉 https://bit.ly/food-for-life-instructor   🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM 👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom   🌱 Lyn Grady 👉 https://www.lyngrady.com   🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15 👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm   - 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.

Swapping animal protein for plant protein may help women lose weight after menopause.

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to discuss a new study he co-authored that finds replacing animal protein with plant protein may be a powerful strategy for weight loss in postmenopausal women.

The study found that total protein intake did not need to change. Instead, the source of protein appeared to matter most. As women reduced animal protein and increased plant protein from foods such as soybeans, beans, and grains, they experienced significant weight loss.

Dr. Barnard explains why not all protein is created equal, how plant protein may affect metabolism differently than animal protein, and why this could be especially important for women after menopause.

🧠 In this episode:

Why protein source matters for weight loss The connection between menopause, metabolism, and body weight Plant protein vs. animal protein Soy, beans, grains, and healthy weight Whether calories tell the whole story Methionine and metabolism Hot flashes, soy, and menopause symptoms Practical food swaps anyone can make

Exam Roomies of the Week

Pauline White Alix Weisz Brenda Hoy

This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg's passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

📕 Menopause Study
👉 https://bit.ly/postmenopausal-weight-loss

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund
👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

- 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.

Could eating late at night be hurting your gut health? Are prebiotic and probiotic sodas actually good for your microbiome? And what do GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy mean for digestion, constipation, and gut bacteria?

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to answer the most Googled gut health questions from listeners.

🧠 On this episode:

- Why late-night eating and chronic stress may be a double hit to your gut
- How your microbiome follows a circadian rhythm
- Whether "healthy" sodas are really worth the hype
- The best fermented foods for gut health
- Why cabbage is having a nutrition moment
- What constipation may reveal about Parkinson's disease risk
- Whether microbiome stool tests can really tell you what to eat
- What we know so far about GLP-1 medications and the microbiome
- How to support gut health while losing weight

Dr. B also shares his thoughts on cravings, nighttime routines, tart cherry juice, fiber supplements, and why diet and lifestyle still come first.

Exam Roomies of the Week

Linda Verchimak Luanne Siwiec Marlene Erven

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
👉 https://theguthealthmd.com

📺 Dr. B's YouTube Channel
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@theguthealthmd

📗 Dr. B's Books
👉 https://amzn.to/4e1CiQd

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and 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.

You can build strong bones and muscles as you age without eating meat or dairy foods.

Registered dietitian Brenda Davis joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain how a well-planned plant-based diet can support strength, bone health, and independence after 50.

Can plant protein really support muscle? What nutrients matter most for preventing osteoporosis and sarcopenia? And how much protein do older adults actually need?

🧠 In this episode, you'll learn:

How much protein older adults may need Whether plant protein can support muscle as well as animal protein The best plant-based protein sources for aging muscles Why some vegans may have higher fracture risk How to get enough calcium without dairy Why spinach is healthy but not the best calcium source The role of vitamin D, B12, omega-3s, and other nutrients How resistance training and weight-bearing exercise help protect bones Why a high-quality plant-based diet matters more than just "going vegan" Brenda's practical, nonjudgmental approach to healthy eating

Brenda also discusses her upcoming book, Plant-Powered Seniors, and shares simple food swaps that can help increase protein from 40 grams a day to 70 grams a day without overhauling your entire diet.

This is a must-watch conversation for anyone over 50, anyone caring for aging parents, anyone worried about osteoporosis, and anyone wondering whether a plant-based diet can truly support strength and longevity.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

📗 Brenda's Plant-Powered Seniors Book
👉 https://amzn.to/49G33Hq

📕 Brenda's Plant-Powered Protein Book
👉 https://amzn.to/4ukIbgr

💪 Brenda's Website
👉 hhttps://brendadavisrd.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.

Dr. Hana Kahleova reveals the surprising science behind mint. From digestion and blood flow to coughing, inflammation, exercise performance, and antioxidants, mint may be doing far more for your health than you realize.

In this episode, you'll learn how compounds in mint may support the body in multiple ways. Dr. Kahleova joins Chuck Carroll to explain how mint has been used for centuries, what modern research shows, and why simple options like mint tea, fresh mint leaves, and topical menthol can offer unique and powerful benefits.

🧠 You'll learn:

Why Dr. Kahleova ranks mint as a "12 out of 10" healthy food How menthol may increase local blood flow Why mint may help calm coughing and support the airways How peppermint oil may help digestion, bloating, spasms, and IBS symptoms Whether mint may improve exercise performance and breathing Why mint is surprisingly rich in antioxidants The best ways to use mint: fresh, tea, inhaled, or topical

Exam Roomies of the Week

Arin Weitzman Ana Jag

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🩺  Dr. Brooke Bussard
👉 https://drbrookebussard.com

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

Chris Wark was just 26 years old when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

What happened next changed his life forever.

In this deeply personal conversation, Chris joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to share the story behind Chris Beat Cancer, the decisions he made after surgery, and why he believes food, faith, mindset, purpose, and self-advocacy all became part of his healing journey.

You'll hear the emotional story of how Chris went from fear and uncertainty to feeling empowered again and why he says healing happens at home.

🧠 In this episode, you'll learn:

What Chris wishes every cancer patient would ask their oncologist Why he believes nutrition became a turning point in his journey The hospital meal that shocked him after colon surgery How he built his "overdosing on nutrition" approach Why purpose and family became central to his will to live What "healing happens at home" means to him How a whole food plant-based diet fits into the cancer conversation

Colorectal cancer is rising among younger adults, making conversations like this more important than ever. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer rates have been increasing in adults under 50 in recent years, while rates have declined among many older adults.

Exam Roomies of the Week

Harriet Leveen  Robert Callahan

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

📗 Chris Beat Cancer Book
👉 https://amzn.to/4nbVsFY

💪 Chris Beat Cancer Website
👉 https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com

🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party
👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and 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.

Binge eating and emotional eating are not simply about willpower. According to Dr. Vanita Rahman, they are often driven by stress, shame, biology, habits, food environment, and the way the brain learns to use food as a coping mechanism.

In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Rahman joins Chuck Carroll to explain what is really happening when someone feels out of control around food — and how to begin breaking the cycle.

Chuck also shares his own experience with food addiction, emotional eating, and eating in secret before losing 280 pounds and transforming his health.

🧠 You'll learn:
- The difference between binge eating, bulimia, emotional eating, and stress eating
- Why shame keeps the binge eating cycle alive
- Why nighttime can be the biggest danger zone
- Why binge eating can happen even with healthy vegan foods
- Why "willpower" may be the wrong word entirely
- How a whole food, plant-based diet may help reduce cravings and support recovery
- Why group support can be so powerful for long-term success
- What to do after a binge to avoid falling into a spiral

Dr. Rahman is leading a 12-week Binge and Emotional Eating Program through the Physicians Committee beginning June 10. The program focuses on mindfulness, identifying triggers, nourishing foods, reducing vulnerability, and building tools for long-term success.

Also mentioned in this episode: The Rochester Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is hiring a Lifestyle Medicine physician or provider. Learn more at https://www.RochesterClinic.com or call 507-218-3095.

Exam Roomies of the Week
- Sharon Smith
- Mary DeCoster

💪 Binge & Emotional Eating Program
👉 https://bit.ly/overcoming-binge-eating

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🏥 Barnard Medical Center
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/barnard-medical-center

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide. 

Could lupus and Sjögren's symptoms improve in just weeks with the right diet and lifestyle changes?

Dr. Brooke Goldner joins Chuck Carroll to share the remarkable stories of patients with autoimmune disease who experienced dramatic recoveries after following her Goodbye Autoimmune Disease protocol.

This conversation is especially personal for me. There are people close to me who have struggled for decades with many of the same issues Dr. Goldner and I discuss in this interview. I shared this episode with one of them before releasing it publicly, and they were blown away by what she had to say.

Dr. Goldner discusses her 2024 case series involving three women with both lupus and Sjögren's syndrome who reported symptom remission within weeks after following a raw, whole-food, plant-based nutrition protocol. She also shares her own story of being diagnosed with aggressive lupus as a teenager, facing kidney failure and mini strokes, and later living symptom-free for more than 20 years.

🧠 In this episode, you'll learn:

What "hypernourishment" means Why raw cruciferous vegetables may be central to Dr. Goldner's protocol How omega-3s and hydration may support healing Why stress and trauma may worsen autoimmune disease How lupus, Sjögren's, Hashimoto's, RA, Crohn's, and other autoimmune conditions may overlap Why Dr. Goldner believes inflammation can sometimes be addressed and reversed What patients should know before making major diet or medication changes

Exam Roomies of the Week

Elvira Northey from Macomb, MI DeeDee O'Connor from Bellingham, WA

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

👩🏻‍⚕️ Dr. Brooke Goldner Website and Courses
👉 https://goodbyelupus.com

📗 Dr. Brooke Goldner Books
👉 https://amzn.to/4uGteGx

🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party
👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide. 

Are ultra-processed foods really as unhealthy as we've been told? New research suggests the answer may be more complicated than the headlines make it seem.

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down findings showing that much of the health risk linked to ultra-processed foods may be driven by two specific categories: processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages.

That means foods like bacon, sausage, ham, bologna, pepperoni, hot dogs, and soda may be doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to increased disease risk.

But what about breakfast cereal? Plant-based burgers? Vegan snacks? Olive oil? Cheese? Steak? And what about studies linking ultra-processed foods to cognitive decline and dementia risk?

Dr. Barnard helps separate nutrition fact from fiction and explains what really matters when you're reading a food label.

🧠 In this episode, Dr. Barnard explains:

The two foods most strongly linked to processed food health risks Why processed meat may be more concerning than other ultra-processed foods Whether plant-based processed foods are healthier Why sugar in soda is different from sugar in foods with fiber How cheese can be higher in sodium than potato chips Why steak and chicken don't get a free pass What new research says about ultra-processed foods and cognition How to choose healthier foods without overcomplicating nutrition

Exam Roomies of the Week

Dana Kennett from Saint Johns, FL Lori Baum from Sandusky, OH

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🙏 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund
👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

📗 Dr. Neal Barnard Books
👉 https://amzn.to/4u6zQxm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide. 

Is 2,000 calories a day too much?

Dr. Joel Fuhrman joins The Exam Room to challenge one of the most familiar numbers in nutrition and explain why the "standard" 2,000-calorie diet may not be right for everyone — and for many people, it may be more food than the body actually needs.

According to Dr. Fuhrman, consistently eating more calories than your body requires may do more than cause weight gain. It may speed up metabolism in ways that contribute to faster aging. The key, he says, is finding your personal caloric window: enough food to meet your needs, but not so much that you are constantly overeating.

🧠 In this episode, Dr. Fuhrman explains:

Why 2,000 calories a day may be too much for many adults How overeating calories may affect aging What your personal "caloric window" means Your body's response to the "caloric rush" Why the Nutritarian diet is different from a vague "plant-based" diet How G-BOMBS — greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and seeds — support longevity Why nuts and seeds may help with satiety and weight loss How sugar, oil, and animal fat may drive cravings Why salt may be a bigger concern than many people realize How microplastics and toxins are affecting modern health

Dr. Fuhrman also shares remarkable stories from his medical career, including patients facing autoimmune disease, severe migraines, digestive illness, and cancer.

Exam Roomies of the Week

R. Nagtegaal from Washington Cross, PA Suzanne Gergely from Württemberg, Germany

🌱 Dr. Fuhrman Events and Courses
👉 https://www.drfuhrman.com/events

📗 Dr. Fuhrman Books
👉 https://amzn.to/42Iv6lz

💪 NHA Conference in Cleveland
👉 https://bit.ly/NHAConf2026

🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party
👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal 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 nearly one million members and supporters worldwide.

Inflammation is tied to some of the biggest health problems in the world — heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune conditions, gut disorders, brain health issues, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, mood changes, and more.

And one of the best ways to understand what is driving that inflammation may begin in your gut.

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and Plant Powered Plus, joins Chuck Carroll to reveal how the gut microbiome can shape inflammation throughout the body — and what you can do to start reducing inflammation naturally.

Dr. B also shares practical steps for people with sensitive stomachs, bloating, IBS, or food intolerances who want to improve gut health without making symptoms worse.

This is your gut-first guide to understanding inflammation, identifying what may be driving your symptoms, and taking the first steps toward better health.

🧠 You'll learn:

What inflammation actually is Why chronic inflammation is so dangerous How gut bacteria influence the immune system The best foods to start eating today Exercises that can reduce inflammation  How sleep, stress, and weight also affect inflammation The biggest food drivers of inflammation Why ultra-processed foods may raise inflammatory markers How fiber helps produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids Why eating 30 plants per week can support a healthier microbiome

 

Dr. B also shares details about his free live workshop, Discover the Inflammation Phenotype Driving Your Symptoms, happening Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET. The 90-minute webinar will explore how inflammation may express itself differently from person to person, why symptoms such as bloating, autoimmune flares, brain fog, joint pain, hormonal issues, fatigue, and mood changes can show up together, and what may connect them beneath the surface.

Exam Roomies of the Week
Doreen Kupau from Hawaii and Anita Kregielska from Edinburgh, UK.
You can become an Exam Roomie of the Week by supporting PCRM.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM
👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Bulsiewicz's Free Inflammation Workshop
👉 https://bit.ly/DrBFreeWorkshop

📺 Dr. B's YouTube Channel
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@theguthealthmd

🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party
👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

- 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.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship is making headlines around the world. But how worried should you really be?

Dr. Roger Seheult joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain what is known about the outbreak, how diet and lifestyle may impact the risk of becoming sick, how Andes hantavirus spreads, why this situation is different from COVID-19, and why health officials are taking it seriously while still assessing the risk to the general public as low.

Dr. Seheult is the co-founder of MedCram, an Associate Clinical Professor at UC Riverside School of Medicine, an Assistant Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, and is quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary diseases, critical care medicine, and sleep medicine.

🧠 In this episode, Dr. Seheult will teach:

What hantavirus is What makes Andes hantavirus different The possible role of diet in the body's ability to fight the virus How concerned the average person should be Why this does not appear to spread like COVID-19 How inflammation may affect infection risk What sleep and circadian rhythm have to do with immunity Why morning sunlight may support health How light at night can interfere with melatonin Why Dr. Seheult says "dark days and bright nights" are a major problem

 

The conversation begins with the breaking news about hantavirus and expands into a larger discussion about how food, sleep, sunlight, and everyday habits may help support the immune system.

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about cancer screening, treatment, and any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

📺 Dr. Seheult YouTube Channel
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Medcram

💡 Light Boxes 10,000 Lux
👉 https://amzn.to/3P518oL

🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party
👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

🙏 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.

Every day there's a new headline about health.

Coffee is good. Coffee is bad.
Fat is the problem. No, sugar is.
Eat this. Avoid that.

So what does the science actually say?

Cardiologist Dr. Andrew Freeman breaks down the biggest health and nutrition studies of the past year and explains what they really mean for your life.

🧠 You'll learn:

- The difference between healthspan vs lifespan
- Why chronic disease rates aren't improving
- The shocking rise in childhood obesity worldwide
- How sugar-sweetened beverages impact heart health
- The truth about ultra-processed foods
- The benefits of flavonoids and antioxidant-rich diets
- What new research says about coffee and tea
- How fruits, vegetables, and legumes impact longevity

Despite thousands of studies and an increased focus on health, millions are still getting sicker. Why?

Dr. Freeman connects the dots and shows how to actually use science to live longer, healthier, and better.

🎉 Las Vegas Plant Powered Party
👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🙏 Dr. Brooke Bussard (our wonderful sponsor)
👉 https://drbrookebussard.com

🎉 International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

🙏 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.