In today’s episode, CJ has a conversation with Anne. Anne is a deeply reflective individual with a profound understanding of self. Through years of personal exploration and experience with abstinence, Anne has developed a keen insight into human behavior and the complexities of cravings. Her journey has equipped her with a unique perspective that allows her to approach challenges with empathy and wisdom. Anne's ability to share her experiences with honesty and vulnerability makes her a...

DR. VIMALASARA also known as (VALERIE) MASON-JOHN M.A (HON.DOC) to the show. Vimalasara is a founding facilitator of Compassionate Inquiry, and is the author of 10 books, including the award winning book, “Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction” and “Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma”. There are 8 Step Recovery meetings held in several continents. And they are co-founder of the training program, Mindfulness Based Addiction Recovery (MBAR),...

Maia Szalavitz is an acclaimed journalist and author renowned for her expertise in neuroscience and addiction. With a career spanning over three decades, she has become one of the most prominent voices in the field, advocating for evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment and policy. Szalavitz's career as a journalist began in the late 1980s. Her work has appeared in numerous prestigious publications, including The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Washington Post, and Scientific...

On today’s episode, CJ welcomes Robert to the show, a soul on a constant quest for growth. His journey inward has fostered a wellspring of wisdom, allowing him to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. But Robert's insights aren’t just for personal exploration; his experiences translate into a powerful message of inspiration. His story is a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection, leaving those around him feeling empowered and ready to embark on their own journey. Feel free...

Kathy Williams has an MBA from Goizueta School of Business, Emry University and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnat. She has also been certified by the University of Pittsburgh’s Diabetes Prevention Program. As CEO of Williams ConsultlingGroup, Kathy is an author, speaker, health strategist, and diabetic prevention advocate. She also has a private coaching practice where she helps clients eliminate their cravings and sugar addiction in 90 days.   Like many of us in the...

Dr. Raines is a distinguished clinical investigator at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the LSU School of Medicine. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University, she has over 13 years of clinical experience, specializing in treating patients with anxiety and related conditions, including those which intersect with hoarding behaviors. She has published an number of peer reviewed articles...

On today’s episode, CJ has the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer. Jennifer isn't afraid to turn the lens inward. She's a self-explorer, constantly dissecting experiences to find the lessons hidden within. This deep reflection fuels her insightful nature - she sees patterns and connections others miss. But Jennifer isn't all contemplation; she's a tireless worker, dedicated to testing her theories and crafting a life that truly works for her, one experiment at a time. Friends, you are in for a...

Claire Sehinson, is an educator, researcher with a functional medicine and nutritional therapy clinical practice.  She brings to her work her passion and lived experience of being multiply neurodivergent and diagnosed with Autism, dyslexia and ADHD as an adult, whilst navigating her own recovery from ME/CFS and dealing with many mental health issues throughout her lifetime.   Claire has over a decade of specialist clinical experience working with complex illness, trauma, CFS, Fibromyalgia...

Dr. Jananthan Paramsothy got his internal medicine training at Richmond University Medial Center in Staten Island New York. Additionally, he has worked as an anesthesiologist and critical care physician in Sri Lanka. He has published a number of peer reviewed articles, one on a study of auto brewery syndrome. He is also a student in the Executive MPH program at Yale School of Public Health.  We have heard alot about the microbiome and its possible role in food addiction. We at Food Junkies...

On today’s episode, CJ has the honor of interviewing Pamela Little. Pamela’s quiet moments hold deep introspection; she constantly seeks growth through self-reflection. But beneath the thoughtful exterior lies a fire. Pamela's faith is her anchor, a source of strength that fuels her fight for what's right. Don't be fooled by her gentle voice- if faced with injustice, she'll be the first to stand up, a fierce advocate for herself and anyone needing a voice. Feel free to join our supportive...

Meet Dr. Kirby Reutter, a bilingual clinical psychologist and leading trauma specialist. Dr. Reuttercurrently contracts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to providetreatment services for individuals seeking political asylum. He is also the author of three books, including“The DBT Skills Workbook for PTSD.” In this episode, we cover: Dr. Kirby Reutter educates us on what PTSD is How Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can treat PTSD We talk about addiction, trauma, and DBT How...

Carl Erik Fisher, M.D., is an addiction psychiatrist, bioethics scholar, author, and person in recovery. He is an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, where he studies and teaches law, ethics, and policy relating to psychiatry and neuroscience, especially issues related to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. He also maintains a private clinical practice focused on complementary and integrative approaches to addiction and recovery. He is the...

Today CJ has the privilege of interviewing Shirley, a soul with a quiet depth. Her introspective nature allows her to see beneath the surface, offering insights that resonate with a quiet wisdom. Unlike a booming voice, Shirley's observations hold a gentle power, leaving you with a deeper understanding long after the words are spoken. Her presence exudes a calming energy, inviting reflection and thoughtful conversation. Today’s episode will leave you wanting to know more about this amazing...

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and the Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She serves an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). From 2019 - 2022, Anita served as the elected Co-Chair for the Suicide and DBT Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AED and currently sits on the SIG Oversight Committee. Anita has had a considerable impact on the field through her leadership, advocacy...

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and the Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She serves an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). From 2019 - 2022, Anita served as the elected Co-Chair for the Suicide and DBT Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AED and currently sits on the SIG Oversight Committee. Anita has had a considerable impact on the field through her leadership, advocacy...

Meet Daryl, a captivating mind with a heart of gold. Her journey of self-discovery has honed an insightful perspective, allowing her to see potential and beauty in every situation. But Daryl isn't just about introspection – she's a fierce cheerleader for her peers. She is also a single mother who is working on breaking generational trauma cycles. What sets Daryl apart is her unwavering commitment to honesty, even when it's uncomfortable. She doesn't sugarcoat her experiences or try to hide...

Dr. Vera Tarman is the Medical Director of Renascent and a senior staff physician at Salvation Army. Dr Tarman has a special interest in the clinical syndrome of food addiction. She has presented at international public forums and media platforms to educate and advocate on this subject. She is author of "Food Junkies: Recovery from  Food Addiction", and is cohost of the popular Food Junkies Podcast. She is also the founder and moderator of the free Facebook group, called “I’m Sweet Enough:...

Dr. Jen Unwin, PsyD, FBPSs co-founder of Food Addiction Solutions (FAS) Jen is a Clinical Psychologist who worked for over 30 years in the NHS in the UK. She specialised in the role of hope in quality of life and was chair of the UK Association for Solution-Focused Therapy. After a lifetime of addiction to sugar and carbohydrates, she finally understood that the solution was abstinence and trained in Holistic Addiction Medicine with Heidi. They have been working together to devise and...

With a twinkle in her eye and a warm welcoming smile, please give a warm welcome to Linda Witnov. Years ago, she chose a path of self-discovery, leaving a past defined by addiction behind. Years of self-discovery have revealed a genuine spirit that radiates outward.  Linda isn't afraid to share her truth, offering a hand up and a genuine smile to anyone who needs it. Feel free to join our supportive community on Facebook: Sugar-Free for Life Support Group - where we believe "I'm Sweet...

Today we speak to Dr Paul Kolodzik is a medical doctor specializing in metabolic health and weight loss. He completed his medical training at the  Wright State University School of Medicine and has served as Assistant Clinical professor at this site since 1989.  He is board certified in preventative and emergency medicine and has over 20 years of experience working in emergency medicine. He is also  board certified in Addiction Medicine and has treated people with food addiction, as well as...

Dr. Kelly is the Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in Addiction Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the Director of the Recovery Research Institute at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the Associate Director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at MGH, and the Program Director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service. Dr. Kelly is a former President of the American Psychological Association's (APA) Society of Addiction Psychology, and is a Fellow of the APA and a...

Today, CJ has the pleasure of interviewing a wonderful friend, Charity Silva. Charity is a beacon of warmth and kindness. Her eyes hold a quiet wisdom, reflecting a deep connection to something larger than herself. Spirituality infuses her every word, a constant search for meaning and beauty. But it's her boundless love that truly shines. A gentle word, a helping hand. Charity makes everyone feel seen and cherished, leaving a trail of light wherever she goes. You will truly enjoy getting to...

Dr. Debbie Danowski is an expert on media literacy and food addiction. She holds a Ph.D. in Media Education from Capella University and is an associate professor at Sacred Heart University, where she has researched and taught for over 25 years on the intersection of media, advertising, and problematic eating behaviors.   Dr. Danowski's research and publications focus on the role of advertising and media in enabling food addiction and disordered eating patterns. She is the author of several...

Dr. Georgia Ede is an internationally recognized expert in nutritional and metabolic psychiatry. Her twenty-five years of clinical experience include twelve years at Smith College and Harvard University Health Services, where she was the first to offer students nutrition-based approaches as an alternative to psychiatric medication. Dr. Ede co-authored the first inpatient study of the ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant mental illness, developed the first medically accredited course in...

Jason Tetro or the “The Germ Guy”, is an Author and renown media personality in science communication and marketing. For nearly a decade, he has been working to increase public awareness of microbes and health. Most of his efforts are in the form of columns and blogs. He has a weekly blog column with Huffington Post Canada, and is featured on various radio and television stations in Canada and worldwide, notably the CBC Radio One and Sirius XM.  He also authored The Germ Code, which was...