Explore every episode of the podcast NHA Today Podcast

Welcome to Season 2 of the NHA Today podcast.

Dr. Stephan Esser officially steps in as the new host of NHA Today - bringing a powerful legacy, a fresh perspective, and a clear vision for the future of health.

A fourth-generation plant-based advocate, Dr. Esser shares the deeply personal story that shaped his path from growing up at his grandfather’s health retreat, founded by NHA pioneer Dr. William L. Esser, to witnessing firsthand the transformative power of lifestyle medicine.

In this introductory episode, he outlines what listeners can expect from the show moving forward: science-based, practical, and honest conversations about what actually creates lasting health.

Together, we’ll explore:

• The foundational principles of whole-person health
• Why lifestyle (not products) drives long-term wellness
• How to cut through misinformation and take control of your health
• What it means to become the “CEO of your own health”

This episode sets the tone for a new chapter of NHA Today focused on clarity, empowerment, and real, sustainable results.

🎧 Tune in and discover how simple, science-backed choices can help you reclaim your health and vitality.

What role do antioxidants, nitric oxide, and plant diversity play in optimizing your health?

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, guest host Kylie Buckner, RN, sits down with her husband, Cyrus Khambatta, PhD, to continue their deep dive into mitochondrial health and plant-based nutrition.

Together, they explore how antioxidant-rich foods, polyphenols, and nitrate-dense vegetables directly support energy production, cardiovascular health, and long-term wellness.

As a plant-based family raising a daughter together—alongside two rescue cats from their time living in Costa Rica—Kylie and Cyrus bring both clinical expertise and real-life application to this conversation.

• Why fruit is not the enemy and how it supports metabolic health
• The critical role of antioxidants and polyphenols in reducing oxidative stress
• How eating a diverse range of plant foods strengthens cellular function
• Why nitrate-rich vegetables (like spinach, beets, and celery) support nitric oxide production
• How nitric oxide improves blood flow, exercise performance, and recovery
• Simple ways to incorporate these foods into your daily routine

Cyrus Khambatta, PhD & Kylie Buckner, RN
Website: https://www.evolution-health.co

National Health Association
https://www.healthscience.org

What if your gut symptoms weren't random—but signals pointing to a deeper root cause?

In this episode of NHA Today, guest host Kylie Buckner, RN sits down with Dahlia Marin, RDN, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist, to explore a functional, root-cause approach to gut health.

Dahlia specializes in complex digestive conditions like SIBO, IBS, and gut dysbiosis, combining clinical experience with her own personal healing journey. Together, Kylie and Dahlia unpack why so many people remain misdiagnosed, overlooked, or stuck in symptom management cycles—and what it really takes to heal.

They dive into the often-missed contributors to gut dysfunction, the importance of a full health timeline, and how nutrition—especially a plant-based, microbiome-focused approach—can support lasting gut repair.

This conversation is honest, practical, and empowering for anyone navigating digestive issues or looking to better understand their body.

• Why gut issues are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood
• The root causes behind IBS, SIBO, and gut imbalances
• How life events, stress, and diet shape gut health over time
• The role of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
• How a plant-based approach can support gut healing
• Why a personalized, whole-person intake is essential

Dahlia Marin / Married to Health
Website: https://www.marriedtohealth.com
Program: https://www.marriedtohealth.com/good-gut-sibo-ibs-program
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriedtohealth/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Marriedtohealth

National Health Association
https://www.healthscience.org

What if your kitchen could become your sanctuary?

In Episode 163 of NHA Today, guest host Kylie Buckner, RN sits down with whole-food plant-based chef and educator Stefanie Dougherty of Green Sage Life to explore how cooking can become a mindful, creative, and deeply nourishing ritual.

Together they discuss:

• How plant-based cooking can shift from "chore" to creative joy

• Why engaging your senses reduces stress and builds mindfulness

• The powerful antioxidant role of herbs and spices

• How global spice blends transform simple meals

• Why beauty and nourishment go hand-in-hand

• The difference between "wellness rules" and the art of living well

Stefanie shares practical kitchen tips, from sharpening your knife to layering flavors and reminds us that health is not just science. It's art. It's ritual. It's presence.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, curate what you consume, and rediscover joy in your everyday meals.

National Health Association (NHA):
https://www.healthscience.org

🌿 Stefanie Dougherty – Green Sage Life
Website: https://www.greensagelife.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greensagelife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@greensagelife

🌿 Kylie Buckner
Website: https://www.evolution-health.co
Green Glow Lifestyle Podcast

🎧 More NHA Today episodes:
https://www.healthscience.org/podcast

The grocery store can feel overwhelming and that's not accidental.

In Episode 162 of NHA Today, guest host Kylie Buckner, RN, sits down with registered dietitian Cassandra Sampson to break down how to read food labels, avoid marketing traps, and become an empowered consumer.

From the "health halo" effect to hidden added sugars and labeling loopholes, this episode gives listeners practical, real-world tools they can use immediately in the grocery aisle.

If you've ever wondered:

• Is "plant-based" automatically healthy?

• What does "0g trans fat" really mean?

• How do I know if a packaged food is minimally processed?

This conversation is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the front of the package is marketing and the back is truth

• The FDA labeling loophole around "0 grams" claims

• The 5:1 carbohydrate-to-fiber rule

• How fiber and protein work together in whole plant foods

• What "clothe the carb" means for blood sugar stability

• How marketing influences grocery store behavior

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

National Health Association (NHA): https://www.healthscience.org

Cassandra Sampson, RD:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_nibbles_dietitian
Website: https://cassandragolden.com

Kylie Buckner:
Green Glow Lifestyle Podcast

🎧 More NHA Today episodes: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast

Is weight loss really the answer — or is the real work about healing your relationship with food and your body?

In this episode of NHA Today, host Eileen Kopsaftis sits down with registered nurse and wellness educator Mary Marshall, creator of Mindset Over Weight, to explore a powerful shift in the conversation around weight, dieting, and health.

Together, they unpack:

• Why weight cycling (losing and regaining weight) may be more harmful than maintaining a stable higher weight

• How dieting disrupts hunger and fullness hormones (ghrelin & leptin)

• Why intuitive (or attuned) eating is not "eat whatever you want"

• The neurological impact of chronic dieting

• The real risks behind GLP-1 medications

• How shame and self-criticism sabotage long-term health

Mary shares why health can exist across a wide range of body sizes — and how learning to listen to internal signals can restore peace, metabolic balance, and self-trust.

This is a compassionate, research-informed conversation about moving from self-judgment to self-care.

🌿 Mary Marshall, RN – Mindset Over Weight
Website: https://www.mindsetoverweight.com/
Newsletter: https://www.mindsetoverweight.com/newsletter/
Foundations Program: https://www.mindsetoverweight.com/foundations/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1959fzHkem/

National Health Association (NHA):
https://www.healthscience.org

🎧 More NHA Today episodes:
https://www.healthscience.org/podcast
NHA Today YouTube 

What if poor vision isn't permanent and glasses aren't the only solution?

In Episode 160 of NHA Today, guest host Eileen Kopsaftis sits down with Mila Casey, a Russian-trained ophthalmologist turned holistic vision educator, to explore the science and philosophy behind natural vision improvement.

After experiencing her own vision decline during a stressful life transition, Mila discovered the Bates Method and improved her eyesight enough to stop wearing progressive lenses. She now teaches others how stress, muscle tension, and vision habits may contribute to refractive errors and how simple daily practices can support healthier eyesight.

This episode challenges conventional eye care and offers practical steps listeners can try today.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The difference between conventional eye care and natural vision improvement

• Why stress and muscle tension may affect eyesight

• How blinking and palming support eye relaxation

• The role of nutrition in macular health and cataracts

• Why constant sunglasses use may impact eye muscle function

• What eye conditions may respond to lifestyle-based vision practices

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

Website milaswellnessvision.com

Social Media: Facebook Group

YouTube: @milacasey5591

Book Mentioned: Optimal Eyesight by Esther Joy van der Werf

🔗 National Health Association (NHA): https://www.healthscience.org

Eileen Kopsaftis: https://havelifelongwellbeing.com

More episodes of NHA Today: https://www.healthscience.org

Mental health isn't just about diagnoses and prescriptions, it's about the whole person.

In Episode 159 of NHA Today, host Eileen Kopsaftis sits down with licensed professional counselor Kylea Rorabaugh to explore a whole-person approach to mental and emotional well-being.

Kylea shares why she moved beyond traditional, diagnosis-driven therapy and how nutrition, nervous system regulation, and personalized, non-cookie-cutter strategies can help people build lasting resilience.

The conversation challenges the idea that people are "broken" or destined to struggle forever and offers hope rooted in practical, integrative solutions.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why diagnosis-first models can sometimes limit healing

• How nutrition directly impacts mental and emotional health

• The connection between the nervous system and chronic stress

• Why medications may not always address root causes

• What to look for when choosing a mental health professional

• Why no one is "broken" and why hope is always possible

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

🔗 National Health Association (NHA): https://www.healthscience.org

🌿 Eileen Kopsaftis: https://havelifelongwellbeing.com

🎧 More episodes of NHA Today: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast

From the NHA Today Archives — foundational principles of plant-based nutrition that still resonate.

In this replay episode of NHA Today, host Dr. Frank Sabatino speaks with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, board-certified family physician, bestselling author of Eat to Live, and founder of the Eat to Live Retreat.

Dr. Fuhrman shares insights from decades of clinical experience using whole-food, plant-based nutrition to address chronic disease, slow aging, strengthen immunity, and support sustainable weight loss. The conversation explores the power of nutrient density, the role of plant diversity, immune resilience, and the importance of individualized care over rigid dietary dogma.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why nutrient density matters more than calories alone

• The concept of "moderate caloric restriction with micronutrient excellence"

• How plant diversity supports immune function

• The relationship between protein intake and aging

• Why sustainable weight loss requires behavioral retraining, not shortcuts

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, the oldest health organization in the U.S. dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

🔗 National Health Association (NHA): https://www.healthscience.org

🌱 Dr. Joel Fuhrman: https://www.drfuhrman.com
📘 Eat to Live: https://www.drfuhrman.com

🎧 More episodes of NHA Today: https://www.healthscience.org

From the NHA Today Archives!

As many people look to refresh their routines and build healthier habits, this replay episode of NHA Today offers simple, realistic guidance for making plant-based eating sustainable.

Host Stephanie Peacock speaks with Natalie Golba, co-founder of The Healthiest Chef, about how basic meal prep strategies can remove overwhelm, save time, and support lasting whole-food, plant-based habits—especially during seasons of reset like spring.

Rather than focusing on perfection, Natalie emphasizes starting small, building confidence in the kitchen, and creating systems that make healthy choices easier day after day.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why meal prep doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming

• How a few foundational foods can support multiple meals

• The role of plant diversity in digestion and gut health

• How to build habits that stick without restriction or burnout

• Why confidence and flexibility matter more than rigid plans

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, the oldest health organization in the U.S. dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

🔗 National Health Association (NHA): https://www.healthscience.org

🍽 The Healthiest Chef: https://www.healthiestchef.com
📸 Natalie Goba (Instagram): @NatalieGolba 

🎧 Listen to more episodes of NHA Today: https://www.healthscience.org

From the NHA Archives  and newly relevant today.

In this replay episode of NHA Today, guest host Maxime Sigouin revisits a powerful conversation with Dr. Csilla Veress, ND, an attending clinician at True North Health Center, exploring the science and real-world impact of medically supervised water-only fasting on gut health, stress, and long-term healing.

Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Veress explains why fasting works so differently in a supervised, low-stress environment and why so many people struggle to replicate results at home.

This episode takes on added significance following the recent announcement of the new NHA–True North community, designed to extend education, connection, and support beyond the clinical setting.

It also coincides with the release of Maxime Sigouin's new book, Forever Fit, which reinforces many of the principles discussed here: sustainable habits, environment-driven success, and lifelong vitality through intentional living.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How water-only fasting impacts the gut microbiome

• Why stress is the #1 barrier to lasting health

• What happens in the body during a supervised fast

• Why environment matters more than willpower

• Practical first steps toward meaningful health change

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, the oldest health organization in the U.S. dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

🔗 National Health Association (NHA): https://www.healthscience.org
🔗 Learn more about the new NHA–True North Community: www.healthscience.org/community

📘 Forever Fit by Maxime Sigouin
🔗 ForeverFitBook.com

🏥 True North Health Center: https://www.healthpromoting.com
🔗 Dr. Csilla Veress: https://www.drcsillaveress.com

🎧 Listen to more episodes of NHA Today: healthscience.org/podcast

Why do so many people know what's healthy—yet struggle to follow through?

In this episode of NHA Today, host Dr. Frank Sabatino sits down with Timaree Hagenburger, MPH, RDN, LD/N, also known as The Nutrition Professor, to explore the critical gap between nutrition knowledge and real-life behavior change.

With over 20 years of experience in plant-based education, public health nutrition, and community-based programs like WIC, Timaree shares powerful stories that reveal why information alone isn't enough—and what actually helps people succeed long term.

Together, they discuss food cravings and withdrawal, taste-bud transformation, cultural food identity, and why community, pleasure, and practical support are essential for sustainable whole-food, plant-based living.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why motivation fades after inspiration—and how to prevent it

• How taste buds and cravings change after removing processed foods

• Why restriction fails but joy and variety succeed

• How community support turns short-term change into lifelong habits

• Real-world plant-based success stories from public health settings

NHA Today is the official podcast of the National Health Association, the oldest health organization in the U.S. dedicated to evidence-based, healthful living.

🔗 Learn more or join the community: https://www.healthscience.org

Guest Resources
🔗 Website: https://thenutritionprofessor.com

📘 Books: https://foodiebars.com/shop/ 

In this special episode, host Dr. Frank Sabatino is joined by Mark Huberman (President of the National Health Association), Wanda Huberman (Executive Director), Dr. Alan Goldhamer (Founder & Director of TrueNorth Health Center), and Dr. Lisa Acocella, physician and educator at TrueNorth.

Together, they share the story behind an exciting new collaboration:
a joint NHA + TrueNorth community membership designed to help people sustain a whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free lifestyle long after leaving a retreat—or even if they've never attended one.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why community and connection are essential for long-term health success

• The roots of lifestyle medicine in natural hygiene and NHA's 77-year legacy

• Why water-only fasting and SOS-free eating remain foundational principles

• The challenges people face after returning home from health centers

• How this new membership provides education, guidance, and peer support

• Why standards matter in a world increasingly diluting plant-based principles

• How incremental change can still honor a clear health direction

• What members receive through the new NHA + TrueNorth partnership

This is a hopeful, grounded conversation about autonomy, healing, and the power of shared values.

🌐 National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/

🌐 TrueNorth Health Center: https://www.healthpromoting.com 

➡️ Explore the new community option here: NHA + TrueNorth Community Membership

We are replaying some of our most listened to episodes from the past year starting with this incredible from earlier this year this episode, led by Chuck Carroll, host of The Exam Room Podcast from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

Chuck is joined by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz ("Dr. B"), The Gut Health MD, for a wide-ranging conversation on gut health, healing, and lifestyle medicine. Together they explore:

• Why heartburn and GERD are really gut motility issues

• The role of diet, fiber, and the microbiome in supporting long-term health

• The risks of long-term reliance on reflux medications

• How stress, sleep, and exercise influence digestion through the gut-brain axis

• The importance of community, including Dr. B's Gut Health Collective

• Insights from his upcoming book Plant Powered Plus

This episode delivers practical strategies and empowering science for anyone looking to improve their gut health and overall well-being.

• 🌐 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Sciencemagazine: healthscience.org

• 🎙️ Thank you to Chuck Carroll and The Exam Room Podcast for guest hosting! Listen here: The Exam Room Podcast (PCRM)

• 🌱 Explore more from Dr. Will Bulsiewicz: The Gut Health MD

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

In this episode, Cyd Notter speaks with psychologist, vegan educator, and author of The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World, Angela Crawford, PhD, about Food & Mood and the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health.

You'll learn:

• How food choices can influence depression, anxiety, and emotional resilience

• The role of inflammation, the gut-brain connection, and key nutrients like fiber

• Why many people struggle socially when transitioning to plant-based eating (and how to handle it)

• Practical strategies for emotional eating, setbacks, and staying consistent

• How lifestyle pillars like sleep, movement, stress management, and community support mental wellbeing

Whether you're plant-based, plant-curious, or just looking for better mental clarity and wellbeing, this conversation offers science-backed insights and compassionate guidance.

Links & Resources
🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/📺 Explore NHA Today episodes on YouTube: NHA Today Playlist
🎙 Listen on podcast platforms: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/ 

Connect with Angela Crawford, PhD
🌐 Website: https://angelacrawfordphd.com
📘 Book: The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (see her Book tab on site)
🍲 Food for Life / cooking classes: (available via her website)

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

In this episode, guest host Cyd Nader speaks with chronic pain expert, educator, and author Eileen Kopsaftis who is a leader in movement science and founder of Have Lifelong Wellbeing.

Eileen has helped people eliminate pain, age well, and reclaim mobility for over 30 years. Her bestselling books, Pain Culprits and Aging Culprits, challenge common myths about the human body and uncover what really creates chronic pain, posture imbalances, and unnecessary physical decline.

In this powerful and practical discussion, Eileen shares:

• Why posture absolutely matters, adespite what some experts claim

• The surprising connection between posture, pain, and circulation

• Why poor ankle mobility is one of the biggest hidden drivers of pain

• How the thoracic spine is the "silent saboteur" of shoulder and back function

• How to assess your own posture at home (standing and lying down)

• What causes hunching, "Dowager's hump," and forward head posture

• Why aging decline is not inevitable

• How lifestyle, nutrition, and movement support healthy function long term

• What to do (and what not to do) to improve posture safely

Eileen also explains why braces often make posture worse, the role of whole food, plant-based nutrition in improving circulation, and simple daily habits to move better and feel better at any age.

Website: https://havelifelongwellbeing.com 
YouTube: Have Lifelong Wellbeing
Books: Pain Culprits, Aging Culprits

00:00 Welcome
01:00 Meet Eileen Kopsaftis
02:00 Does posture matter? Why experts disagree
03:00 The vanity factor & why posture affects confidence
05:00 Why people "shrink" with age (and why it's NOT aging)
07:00 Forward head posture: how 1 inch = 10 extra pounds of pressure
09:00 Can posture be corrected later in life?
11:00 Shoulder mobility, thoracic spine function & pain
13:00 Fall risk and center of gravity
15:00 The natural spinal curves and why they matter
17:00 Causes of excessive kyphosis
20:00 Degenerative disc disease and lumbar artery circulation
23:00 Ankle mobility: the most overlooked posture culprit
27:00 Workstation habits & standing desk tips
29:00 Why chair posture affects the whole spine
33:00 How the thoracic spine moves (type 1 & type 2 motion)
35:00 Exercises for ankle, hip & trunk function
38:00 Everything is connected
41:00 Posture self-assessment (standing & lying down)
48:00 What actually improves posture
49:00 The role of whole food, plant-based eating in pain and function
52:00 Why posture corrections must be individualized
55:00 How to work with Eileen
58:00 Final encouragement: aging doesn't equal decline

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/
🎧 Listen to all NHA Today podcast episodes: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @nationalhealthassociation

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

In this episode, hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams sit down with Terri Chrisman, board-certified nutritionist, lifestyle medicine professional, and author of the new book Fabulous Health. Terri shares her deeply personal journey from vegetarianism to veganism to fully embracing a whole food, plant-based lifestyle and the science that inspired her along the way.

Terri discusses:

• How her international life led her to explore health and nutrition

• Why going vegan didn't automatically mean "healthy"

• Her transition from processed vegan eating to whole food, plant-based living

• The emotional and psychological side of eating

• Why people struggle to change and how the Transtheoretical Model explains it

• What inspired her to write Fabulous Health

• Why lifestyle medicine must include sleep, stress, movement, and connection

• Her go-to 5-minute noodle bowl that anyone can make

• How her family health history motivates her commitment to this lifestyle

A warm, engaging episode packed with science, storytelling, and practical wisdom.

Learn more about Terri: https://fabuloushealth.net
Book: Available on Amazon + signed copies for U.S. residents via her website

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/
🎧 Listen to all NHA Today podcast episodes: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @nationalhealthassociation

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

In this inspiring episode, hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams sit down with Lianna Levine Reisner, co-founder and president of Plant Powered Metro New York (PPMNY). Lianna shares her personal health transformation, how she brought plant-based education to diverse communities, and why building supportive local networks is the key to long-term lifestyle change.

Together, they explore:

• Lianna's journey from personal experimentation to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle

• How PPMNY empowers multicultural communities across the NYC metro area

• The role of mentorship, jumpstarts, and community events in helping people thrive

• Strategies for parents raising plant-based kids in traditional school environments

• How local groups can partner with restaurants and expand healthy food access

Whether you're new to plant-based living or a seasoned advocate, this conversation offers heartfelt wisdom, practical ideas, and a powerful reminder of the impact community can make.

00:00 Introduction
00:45 Meet Lianna Levine Reisner
03:00 Lianna's plant-based health journey
07:00 Raising plant-based children
11:00 Food environment challenges for families
15:00 Finding and building community
17:20 How Plant Powered Metro NY began
25:00 The four pillars: awareness, education, empowerment & community
28:00 Jumpstarts, mentorship & national collaboration
34:00 Multicultural outreach & bridging communities
40:00 Connecting with underserved populations
44:00 Working with restaurants for healthier options
45:40 Quick meal ideas from Lianna
49:20 Where to find PPMNY

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association: https://www.healthscience.org/
🌱 Explore Plant Powered Metro New York: https://www.plantpoweredmetrony.org/
🎧 Listen to all NHA Today podcast episodes: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @nationalhealthassociation

After years of living in constant pain and relying on prescription medications, Tim Kaufman found a way to take back his life through the healing power of a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.

In this episode of NHA Today, hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams sit down with Tim to discuss his incredible transformation—from being over 400 pounds and battling addiction, to completing marathons, triathlons, and inspiring thousands through his platform Fat Man Rants.

🌱 In this episode you'll learn the following:

• How Tim overcame chronic pain and addiction through a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.
• The mindset shift that turned short-term motivation into lifelong purpose 
• How gratitude and consistency became his daily tools for success
• Why community and accountability are key to sustainable change

💬 "I didn't just want to lose weight—I wanted my life back."

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: https://healthscience.org

🎙️ Special thanks to guest hosts Justin & Stephanie Williams

🌐 Follow Tim Kaufman:

Instagram — @fatmanrants

YouTube — Fat Man Rants

Facebook — Fat Man Rants

Website — fatmanrants.com

After years of struggling with health issues and endless prescriptions, Michelle Cen discovered the healing power of food. In this episode of NHA Today, she shares her powerful transformation—from daily pain and fatigue to vibrant health—through a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.

🌱 In this episode:

• How Michelle's health struggles inspired a deep dive into nutrition and lifestyle medicine

• The turning point that led her to the National Health Association

• What changed when she transitioned to a 100% whole-food, plant-based diet

• The emotional, mental, and physical benefits she experienced along the way

• How she's now helping others take control of their health naturally
  
  

💬 "You can't just treat the symptoms—you have to address the root cause. Once I changed what I ate, everything began to heal." — Michelle Cen

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: https://healthscience.org

🎙️ Special thanks to guest hosts Justin & Stephanie Williams

📘 Learn More: 

Michelle works with TrueNorth Health Center, Plant Chompers, and the Eternal Spring Institute for Wellness, supporting health programs and plant-based initiatives.

Follow her on Instagram: @michelle.cen_

🌐 https://www.michellecen.com/

From bar food and burnout to vibrant plant-based living — Erin and Dusty Stanczyk, founders of EatMoveRest, share their transformation story with hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams on NHA Today.

Discover how Erin's health scare and Dusty's digestive struggles sparked a journey from conventional medicine to lifestyle medicine — leading to a thriving online community, retreats in Costa Rica, a bestselling cookbook (The Happy Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook), and a plant-powered family of five.

🌱 In this episode:

• How food became their medicine after years of frustration with "normal" medical answers

• The turning point that led them to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and the power of plant-based nutrition
  
  Building community through retreats, YouTube, and their EatMoveRest Club

• Parenting and raising healthy, plant-based kids

• Why compassion and connection go far beyond what's on your plate
  
  

📗 Learn more about Erin & Dusty's work: https://eatmoverest.com
📘 Follow EatMoveRest:
Instagram → @eatmoverest
YouTube → EatMoveRest
Facebook → facebook.com/eatmoverest
Pinterest → pinterest.com/eatmoverest

Special thanks to guest hosts Stephanie & Justin Williams

Connect with them:

Website: https://www.plantbasedcapitalregion.org/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5065227353518556

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedcapitalregion/

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! In this inspiring episode of NHA Today, guest host Chuck Carroll from The Exam Room Podcast (PCRM) talks with Javant—founder of Healthy Vegan Eating and the Healthy Vegan Lifestyle App—about how he transformed his life through a whole-food, plant-based diet. After losing 80 pounds and improving his health, Javant made it his mission to help others take control of theirs through nutrition, mindset, and community.

🌱 In This Episode:

• How Javant went from prediabetic to thriving on a plant-based lifestyle

• The philosophy behind "making your own" and his upcoming cookbook

• The power of mindset and community in creating lasting health

• How nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mindset form his four pillars of wellness
  
  

📘 Learn More:
Follow @HealthyVeganEating on Instagram for oil-free, whole food, plant-based recipes and inspiration.
Explore the Healthy Vegan Lifestyle App and preorder Make Your Own cookbook, available on Amazon and other retailers.
Listen to more from The Exam Room Podcast with Chuck Carroll → https://pcrm.org/podcast

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

In this heartfelt episode, guest host Cyd Notter talks with Jennifer Diamond, plant-based nutrition coach and YouTube creator, about navigating grief and emotional eating while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

You'll learn:
✅ How to honor your emotions without turning to food for comfort
✅ Simple coping tools for stress, loss, and emotional overwhelm
✅ How to create "plant-based comfort foods" that heal, not harm
✅ Ways to build new habits when life feels out of control
✅ Why self-compassion is key to long-term wellness

Jennifer also shares her personal story of loss, resilience, and rediscovery—proving that even through grief, growth and healing are possible.

🎧 Listen to more NHA Today episodes:
https://www.healthscience.org/podcast

🌿 Learn more about the National Health Association:
https://www.healthscience.org

💚 Connect with Jennifer Diamond:
Website: https://www.thejenniferdiamond.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejenniferdiamond
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenniferdiamond

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: https://healthscience.org

🎙️ Special thanks to guest host Cyd Notter.

Learn more about her work: www.cydnotter.com

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/cydnotter

📸 Instagram: @cyd_notter

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱
In this episode, guest host Cyd Notter sits down with Shoshana Chaim—Canadian wellness expert, international speaker, and co-host of The Plant Trainers Podcast—to explore how to optimize cellular health for energy, recovery, and longevity.

You'll learn:
✅ How cellular communication and redox signaling affect every system in your body
✅ Why even healthy lifestyles sometimes need a deeper, cellular approach
✅ The top daily habits that protect mitochondrial and hormonal health
✅ What "biohacking" really means in a plant-based lifestyle
✅ How to build resilience, reduce inflammation, and age with vitality

Shoshana also shares her personal story of helping her husband reverse heart disease through plant-based nutrition—and how her own health transformation led to a passion for helping others heal at the cellular level.

💚 Connect with Shoshana Chaim
Website: https://www.shoshanachaim.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planttrainers
Podcast: https://www.planttrainers.com

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: https://healthscience.org

🎙️ Special thanks to guest host Cyd Notter.

Learn more about her work: www.cydnotter.com

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/cydnotter

📸 Instagram: @cyd_notter

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

 In this episode, guest host Cyd Notter sits down with Dr. Shobha Rayapudi—board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, epidemiologist, researcher, chef, and co-founder of Gift of Health, a nonprofit organization helping thousands reverse chronic disease and regain vitality through lifestyle change. Together, they explore the missing link between goals and success—and why our habits, not our willpower, determine long-term health. Dr. Shobha breaks down the science of habit formation and how to turn healthy intentions into automatic daily actions.

You'll learn:

✅ The 5 key steps to forming habits that last

✅ Why small, consistent actions work better than motivation bursts

✅ How dopamine influences your behavior (and how to use it for good)

✅ Why accountability increases your success rate to 99%

✅ How to shift from "willpower" to "skill-power" for sustainable change

Dr. Shobha also shares her personal journey from traditional medicine to lifestyle medicine—and the revelation that true healing happens when patients learn the skills to make lasting change, not just receive advice.

👉 Connect with Dr. Shobha Rayapudi

🌿 Website: giftofhealth.org 

📘 Facebook: Gift of Health 

Instagram: giftofhealth_org

Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: https://healthscience.org

🎙️ Special thanks to guest host Cyd Notter.

Learn more about her work:

www.cydnotter.com

Facebook: facebook.com/cydnotter

Instagram: @cyd_notter

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

In this episode, guest host Cyd Notter talks with Dr. James Thompson, retired allergist and immunologist, integrative nutrition coach, and author of Fearless Wellness. Together, they explore how lifestyle and nutrition can build a strong, balanced immune system.

You'll learn:
✅ How the immune system really works—and why 70% of it lives in your gut
✅ The best plant-based foods for immune support and longevity
✅ The connection between gut health, brain function, and inflammation
✅ How lifestyle changes can reduce the need for medications
✅ The "Fearless" eight-pillar model for holistic health

Dr. Thompson also shares his journey from clinical practice to community health education and the mission behind the Healthy Living with a Vision Foundation, which empowers individuals to take control of their health through plant-based nutrition and accessible wellness programs.

👉 Connect with Dr. James Thompson

• Instagram: @fearlessmd21

• Dr. Thompson's website: https://fearlessmd21.com

• Healthy Living with a Vision Foundation: https://healthylivingwithavision.org

• Fearless Wellness on Amazon: https://a.co/d/9HKrE9i

🔗 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: https://healthscience.org

🎙️ Special thanks to guest host Cyd Notter.

Learn more about her work: www.cydnotter.com

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/cydnotter

📸 Instagram: @cyd_notter

👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to NHA Today for weekly conversations on plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and whole-body wellness.

#NHAToday #PlantBasedHealth #LifestyleMedicine #GutHealth #FearlessWellness

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱

Can the food on your plate lower your risk of breast cancer? 🌱 In this episode of NHA Today, guest host Chuck Carroll sits down with Caryn Dugan, co-founder of The Doc & Chef and founder of the Center for Plant-Based Living.

Caryn shares her personal journey—losing her father to cancer, facing her own melanoma diagnosis, and discovering how a whole-food, plant-based diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer and recurrence. Together with Dr. Jim Loomis, she now travels the world teaching how lifestyle medicine can help fight cancer before it starts.

💡 What you'll learn in this episode:

• How a plant-based diet supports breast cancer prevention

• The cancer-fighting power of cruciferous vegetables and alliums

• The truth about soy and breast cancer risk (hint: it's protective, not harmful)

• Simple ways to start cooking with more plants—even if you're new in the kitchen

• Why awareness and prevention must extend beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month

🎁 Special Offer for NHA Podcast Listeners:

Caryn has offered a free month of membership to the Center for Plant-Based Living using the promo code CHUCK. The community, which she runs with Dr. Jim Loomis, includes live cooking classes, a recipe library, group support, and access to evidence-based nutrition guidance and much more! Visit plantbasedcenter.com to learn more

👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to NHA Today for weekly conversations on plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and whole-body wellness.

• 👉 Connect with Caryn Dugan

  Website: PlantBasedCenter.com

  Instagram: @plantbasedcenter

  YouTube: The Doc & Chef

• Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine:  https://healthscience.org

• 🎙️ Thank you to guest host Chuck Carroll for leading this conversation. You can also find his work here: The Exam Room Podcast (PCRM)

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association! 🌱
In this episode, guest host Chuck Carroll interviews Dr. Roxie Becker, physician with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), about the rising epidemic of type 2 diabetes and the powerful role of a whole food, plant-based lifestyle in reversing it. 💪🌿

Can diabetes really be reversed with diet? Dr. Becker says yes. She explains how fat inside muscle and liver cells drives insulin resistance, why carbs aren't the enemy, and how plant-based foods help restore insulin sensitivity. You'll also learn practical strategies for preventing and managing diabetes—including food swaps, exercise hacks, and hope-filled stories of remission at every age.

What you'll discover in this episode:
🥗 Why type 2 diabetes is not caused by carbs but by fat inside the cells
🍚 How whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables lower diabetes risk
🚶 Exercise tips, including the 10-minute post-meal walk that balances blood sugar
🫘 Why beans are "superfoods" for blood sugar control (and the magic of black beans!)
💡 How even older adults with long-term diabetes can achieve remission

If you or a loved one is living with type 2 diabetes, this episode will give you evidence-based strategies, lifestyle tips, and the motivation to never give up. 🙌

👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to NHA Today for weekly conversations on plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and whole-body wellness.

• 👉 Connect with Dr. Roxie Becker, Website: https://drroxiebecker.com Instagram: @drroxiebecker

• Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine:  https://healthscience.org

• 🎙️ Thank you to guest host Chuck Carroll for leading this conversation. You can also find his work here: The Exam Room Podcast (PCRM)

In this episode of NHA Today, presented by the National Health Association, our guest host is Chuck Carroll, who leads a powerful conversation with Dr. Neal Barnard, founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

Together, they explore the fascinating connection between plant-based nutrition, depression, and brain health. From reducing inflammation to protecting against Alzheimer's, Dr. Barnard shares groundbreaking research and practical strategies showing how what we eat can dramatically influence how we feel—both mentally and physically.

Topics include:

🌱 How a plant-based diet can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
🧠 The role of food in protecting memory and lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease
🍎 Specific foods and nutrients that support emotional well-being and cognitive health
🚫 The impact of animal products, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods on mental health
🏃 Why exercise and sleep are key tools in supporting long-term mental resilience
👧 How healthy dietary habits in childhood can strengthen mental well-being for life

This episode highlights how food, lifestyle, and community can transform mental health and offers hope for those seeking natural, evidence-based solutions.

• 🌐 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Science magazine: healthscience.org

• 🎙️ Thank you to guest host Chuck Carroll for leading this conversation. You can also find his work here: The Exam Room Podcast (PCRM)

• 📖 Explore more from Dr. Neal Barnard and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: pcrm.org

Welcome to another special edition of NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association. As part of our guest host series, this episode is led by Chuck Carroll, host of The Exam Room Podcast from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

Chuck is joined by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz ("Dr. B"), The Gut Health MD, for a wide-ranging conversation on gut health, healing, and lifestyle medicine. Together they explore:

• Why heartburn and GERD are really gut motility issues

• The role of diet, fiber, and the microbiome in supporting long-term health

• The risks of long-term reliance on reflux medications

• How stress, sleep, and exercise influence digestion through the gut-brain axis

• The importance of community, including Dr. B's Gut Health Collective

• Insights from his upcoming book Plant Powered Plus

This episode delivers practical strategies and empowering science for anyone looking to improve their gut health and overall well-being.

• 🌐 Learn more about the National Health Association, explore membership, and subscribe to Health Sciencemagazine: healthscience.org

• 🎙️ Thank you to Chuck Carroll and The Exam Room Podcast for guest hosting! Listen here: The Exam Room Podcast (PCRM)

• 🌱 Explore more from Dr. Will Bulsiewicz: The Gut Health MD

Burnout, Balance & the Plant-Powered Adrenal Reset with Dr. Kendra Kautz

Are you running on caffeine, pushing through fatigue, and wondering why your body won't cooperate anymore? You're not alone. In this episode of the National Health Association Podcast, chiropractor and hormone health expert Dr. Kendra Kautz unpacks the connection between burnout, adrenal dysfunction, and nutrition—and why a plant-forward diet is one of the most powerful foundations for recovery.

Dr. Kautz shares her own journey with adrenal fatigue, explains the three phases of adrenal exhaustion, and highlights how fruits, vegetables, and whole plant foods provide the critical vitamins and minerals our stressed bodies need. From vitamin C–rich produce like bell peppers and kiwi to simple daily practices like lemon water with minerals, she shows how everyday plant-based nutrition can help rebuild depleted adrenals.

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to reclaim energy, balance hormones, and support long-term health—without relying only on quick fixes or stimulants.

• ✅ The three phases of adrenal exhaustion—and how to recognize where you are

• ✅ How burnout shows up in the body, from sleep issues to hormone imbalances

• ✅ Why chronic infections and hidden stressors can keep you wired and tired

• ✅ How a plant-powered diet restores key nutrients (Vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, potassium) needed for adrenal balance

• ✅ The top plant foods Dr. Kautz recommends—like bell peppers, citrus, brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes

• ✅ Foundational supports beyond food: nervous system regulation, breathwork, and sleep hygiene

• ✅ Supplement insights: adaptogens, glandular support, and when to use them

Dr. Kendra Kautz is a Newport Beach–based chiropractor who specializes in hormone health, adrenal support, and integrative care. After facing her own struggles with adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalance, she now helps patients heal from burnout by addressing structural, chemical, emotional, and nutritional health together—with a strong emphasis on plant-forward eating.

📍 Connect with Dr. Kendra:

• Instagram: @alignedwithdoctorkendra

• Website: doctorkendra.com

• Dutch Plus Test for cortisol and hormone insights

• Plant-based nutrient sources: Vitamin C (bell peppers, kiwi, citrus, strawberries), Magnesium (leafy greens, legumes), Potassium (bananas, sweet potatoes), B vitamins (whole grains, beans, seeds)

• Adaptogens: ashwagandha, holy basil, rhodiola, lemon balm

• Nervous system practices: meditation, craniosacral work, breathwork, and sleep rituals

✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who's navigating stress or burnout. Subscribe for more conversations on the healing power of a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.

Dr. Stephanie Peacock interviews Natalie Golba, co-founder of The Healthiest Chef, about making plant-based eating accessible for busy professionals. Natalie shares her transformation story and practical strategies for incorporating 42 different plants into your weekly diet without spending hours in the kitchen.

Natalie Golba is a Harvard-trained plant-based chef and co-founder of The Healthiest Chef. After struggling with unexplained weight gain for three years despite working with trainers and nutritionists, she discovered the power of whole food nutrition and now helps others make sustainable dietary changes.

The Healthiest Chef Program - A comprehensive nutrition education platform for busy professionals featuring expert interviews and practical cooking instruction that teaches 2-hour weekly meal prep.

Personal Journey - Natalie's 3-year struggle with weight gain and her partner Irina's lifelong digestive issues led them to create solutions for others facing similar challenges.

Client Transformations - Weight loss, digestive healing, increased energy, and most notably, complete cooking beginners becoming creative recipe developers.

Meal Prep Strategy - Start with one simple meal like overnight oats (15 minutes for 3 days), gradually add a weekly soup, focus on plant diversity over complicated macro counting.

Recipe Development - Each recipe goes through 3-20 iterations to ensure flavors are "10 times better than processed food" for long-term sustainability.

Detox Program - Launching after July 4th with Dr. Stephanie Peacock, featuring easy meal prep and a free nontoxic masterclass.

Future Vision - Specialized nutrition programs for cancer and cardiovascular patients to support medical treatment.

The Healthiest Chef: healthiestchef.com Follow: @NatalieGolba and @DrStephPeacock for detox program updates

Menopause doesn't signal decline — it's a powerful new chapter of recalibration and growth. In this episode of NHA Today, host Dr. Peter sits down with Dr. Analila Valencia, naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, to explore how women can thrive during menopause through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle medicine.

Dr. Valencia brings clarity, encouragement, and evidence-based strategies to help women feel strong, vibrant, and empowered in this stage of life.

• Why Protein Matters During Menopause
  How increased protein intake helps prevent muscle loss, improves bone health, and supports energy and longevity.

• Plant-Based Protein Powerhouses
  Practical ways to meet daily needs with lentils, beans, hemp seeds, soy foods, and even innovative new options like fava bean tofu.

• The Role of Amino Acids
  Why leucine is especially important for protein synthesis and muscle preservation in midlife.

• Strength Training & Lifestyle Supports
  How resistance exercise, sleep, meditation, and nervous system care improve resilience, cognition, and overall well-being.

• Fasting and Hormone Health
  Insights on when and how fasting can be used as a "reset" during perimenopause and menopause.

• A New Perspective on Menopause
  Dr. Valencia reframes menopause as an opportunity for empowerment, encouraging women to see it as a season of thriving rather than decline.

• Connect with Dr. Analila Valencia: dranalilavalencia.com

• Learn more about the National Health Association: https://healthscience.org

• Read the blog: https://healthscience.org/133-Dr-Analila-Valencia

• Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/Al-fG3jJFr8

• Subscribe to NHA Today on your favorite podcast app.

Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Holistic Cancer Practitioner

Hanna is a cancer survivor (Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2006) who discovered the power of plant-based nutrition during her own treatment. After her oncologist told her "there's nothing you can do at home," she knew that wasn't right and dedicated her career to helping cancer patients feel heard and empowered.

Hanna's signature approach to cancer recovery:

• S - Suppress cancer cell growth using phytochemicals in plant foods
• O - Optimize nutritional status to enhance treatment outcomes
• A - Activate the body's innate healing mechanisms
• R - Reduce treatment side effects (short-term and long-term)

Protein for Cancer Patients: Need 1.2-1.4 grams per kilogram of body weight (higher than average). Best plant sources include edamame, tofu, tempeh, protein powders, and even leafy greens.

Top Cancer-Fighting Foods: Cruciferous vegetables (at least 1 cup daily), berries, turmeric, green tea, flaxseed, garlic, omega-3 rich foods like walnuts and hemp hearts.

Beyond Food: Exercise boosts natural killer cells, forest bathing stimulates immunity, and mind-body practices like meditation activate healing mechanisms.

Cancer-Specific Nutrition: Different cancers benefit from targeted foods - soy and cruciferous vegetables for breast cancer, walnuts for colorectal cancer.

"I was in pretty rough shape after starting breast cancer treatments - fatigued, inflamed, with digestive and sleep issues. Hanna got me back on track to a balanced state of health." - Leah Avery

• Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @DrStephPeacock
• Podcast: The Holistic Health Podcast (biweekly episodes)
• Schedule a discovery call through her website

• Website: backtobalancenutrition.com
• Instagram: @backtobalancenutrition
• Free resource: Daily Guide of Cancer-Fighting Foods
• Online course: 7-Day Anti-Cancer Diet Kickstart ($47)

Bottom Line: Food can function as "nontoxic chemotherapy" - there's so much cancer patients can do at home to support their treatment and healing journey.

In this enlightening episode of the NHA Today podcast, guest host Stacie Haney interviews Dr. Stephanie Peacock about the powerful role of plant-based nutrition in detoxification and healing from environmental toxins. Dr. Peacock shares her personal journey from competitive swimming to becoming an expert in mold illness and environmental toxicity, offering practical strategies for supporting the body's natural detox pathways through food, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation.

• How fiber and bioflavonoids in plants help bind and eliminate toxins
• The importance of dietary diversity for gut microbiome health
• Specific color bands of foods that target different toxins (e.g., red foods for citrin detoxification)

• The three phases of liver detoxification explained in simple terms
• Why gut motility is crucial for toxin elimination
• The role of sweating as a detox pathway

• EPA estimates indoor air is 2-5x more toxic than outdoor air
• 50-60% of American homes have some form of water damage
• Hidden sources of toxin exposure in everyday products

Foundation Foods & Supplements:

• 2 tablespoons daily of ground flax or chia seeds as natural binders
• Broccoli sprouts for liver support and microplastic detoxification
• Bitter greens to stimulate bile flow
• Organic produce to reduce pesticide exposure

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Water filtration (reverse osmosis or distillation)
• Air purification for indoor spaces
• Natural cleaning products
• 7-8 hours of quality sleep
• Regular movement (20-30 minutes, 4-5x weekly)
• Sweating through exercise, saunas, or hot baths

Supporting Supplements (when needed):

• Magnesium for gut motility
• Milk thistle for liver support
• Modified citrus pectin for pesticide binding
• Omega-3s for cellular health

• Vibrant Wellness Total Tox Burden Test
• Importance of checking liver enzymes and kidney function
• When to consider viral load panels

1. Food First Approach: Most detoxification can be accomplished through a diverse, colorful plant-based diet rather than expensive supplements
2. Address the Basics: Before complex protocols, ensure proper gut motility, adequate hydration, and regular sweating
3. Environmental Awareness: Simple swaps in water, air quality, and personal care products can significantly reduce toxic burden
4. Individual Assessment: Chronic health issues may stem from hidden environmental exposures that standard medical tests miss

Dr. Peacock is a holistic health practitioner specializing in environmental toxicity and mold illness. After her own experience with mold exposure while working at TrueNorth Health Center, she developed expertise in helping others navigate complex environmental health challenges through plant-based nutrition and targeted detoxification strategies.

• Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @DrStephPeacock
• Podcast: The Holistic Health Podcast (biweekly episodes)
• Schedule a discovery call through her website

Stacey Heiney (Guest host for The NHL Today Podcast)

• Organic farmer and wellness advocate
• FREE Resource: Get Stacey's healthy vegan Sauces, Dips & Dressings e-book: https://theherbanfarmacy.mykajabi.com/the-secret-is-in-the-sauce
• Website: theherbanfarmacy.com
• Instagram: @theherbanfarmacy

• CLEAR app for checking product safety
• EWG (Environmental Working Group) database
• Branch Basics cleaning products
• Air Doctor air purifiers
• Vibrant Wellness testing panels

This conversation highlights how our modern environment presents unique health challenges that require a comprehensive approach combining ancestral wisdom about plant foods with modern understanding of detoxification. The emphasis on accessible, food-based solutions makes this valuable information for anyone looking to optimize their health in today's toxic world.

The NHA Today podcast is powered by the National Health Association, bringing you real conversations about transforming health through food, mindset, and community.

Wellness pioneer and bestselling author Doug Evans reveals how sprouting can transform your health and wallet. Learn how to grow nutrient-dense vegetables on your countertop in just 5 days for under $1 per serving. Doug shares his incredible journey from fast food addiction to thriving on living foods, and explains why sprouts are up to 100x more nutritious than mature vegetables.

Doug Evans is a visionary entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and bestselling author of The Sprout Book. He co-founded Organic Avenue, one of the first organic cold-pressed juice brands in the US, and later created The Sprouting Company, making it easier than ever for people to grow nutrient-dense food at home.

• From eating 4 cotton candies at basketball games to a plant-based lifestyle
• His typical McDonald's meal: Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, 9-piece nuggets, large fries, vanilla shake, apple pie, and hot fudge sundae
• Lost family members to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease before discovering plant-based nutrition
• Started sprouting 30 years ago after seeing sprouts at Union Square Farmers Market

• Up to 100x more nutrient-dense than mature vegetables
• Sprouted lentils increase vitamin C by 300% and quadruple antioxidants in just 3 days
• Travel only 2 feet (counter to table) vs. 2,000 miles for average vegetables
• You eat the entire plant: root, shoot, endosperm, and embryo

• Broccoli sprouts: Highest in sulforaphane (anti-cancer compound), most bioavailable on day 3
• Alfalfa: More beta-carotene than GMO golden rice, plus vitamin C and chlorophyll
• Sprouted legumes (mung beans, lentils, chickpeas): High in amino acids, keep you full
• Red clover: Beautiful texture, mild flavor, great crunch

• 1/4 cup of seeds = 5 cups of sprouts in 5 days
• Costs under $1 per serving
• No soil, sunshine, or fertilizer needed
• The Sprouting Company's jar features: larger vessel, better drainage, stainless steel filter
• Seeds are tested for pathogens and microplastics

• Add to any meal: salads, smoothies, juices, wraps
• Mash with avocado and wrap in nori for quick meal
• Top pizzas, tamales, soups - increases nutrition 1000x
• Can eat directly from the jar as a snack
• Store fresh homegrown sprouts for over a week

1. Sprouts are vegetables, not just garnishes - they can be entire meals
2. Growing your own eliminates plastic packaging and ensures freshness
3. Perfect for food deserts or anyone wanting local, organic produce year-round
4. The most nutritious food is paradoxically also the lowest cost
5. Sprouting breaks you free from processed foods and reconnects you with natural flavors

• The Sprout Book by Doug Evans
• Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman
• The Sprouting Company: TheSproutingCompany.com
• Follow Doug: @dougevans on Instagram and TikTok

• "What if I told you that you can grow the most nutrient dense food on the planet in five days on your kitchen countertop, without soil, without sunshine, without fertilizer?"
• "Everybody should be sprouting, everybody should be eating sprouts."
• "Most people are living to eat... but we should eat to live."
• "The world is hungry for fresh produce, and miraculously, sprouts grow in all climates, all seasons, all geographies."

Stacey Heiney (Guest host for The NHL Today Podcast)

• Organic farmer and wellness advocate
• FREE Resource: Get Stacey's healthy vegan Sauces, Dips & Dressings e-book: https://theherbanfarmacy.mykajabi.com/the-secret-is-in-the-sauce
• Website: theherbanfarmacy.com
• Instagram: @theherbanfarmacy

• Instagram: @dougevans
• TikTok: @dougevans
• Website: TheSproutingCompany.com
• Doug answers questions and supports the sprouting community directly

Note: Doug lived exclusively on sprouts for 30-day periods while living in the Mojave Desert, proving their complete nutritional value.

In this compelling conversation, holistic nutritionist Stacey Heiny sits down with Melissa Maris, a passionate advocate for raw vegan living who has been thriving on this lifestyle since 2014. After years of yo-yo dieting, severe gut issues, and hitting rock bottom with her health at age 34, Melissa discovered the transformative power of a low-fat raw vegan diet. Now, 11 years later, she shares her journey of healing and the practical wisdom she's gained along the way.

Melissa Maris is a raw vegan educator, recipe developer, and photographer who champions animal welfare and optimal health through plant-based living. She speaks at various events and summits, has created over 1,000 raw vegan recipes across 28 eBooks, and runs an online community helping others transition to and thrive on a raw food lifestyle. Known as Raw Food Romance on social media, she combines her culinary creativity with practical solutions for sustainable healthy living.

Melissa shares her powerful transformation story, from working at a health food store while secretly struggling with candida, cystic acne, and disordered eating patterns, to discovering the missing pieces that made raw veganism finally work for her. The conversation explores practical strategies for incorporating more raw foods, strengthening gut health, and creating a sustainable approach to healthy eating without restriction or guilt.

• The critical difference between high-fat and low-fat raw vegan approaches
• Why adequate calorie intake is essential for raw food success
• Building digestive strength through fiber diversity and gradual adaptation
• The role of psyllium husk in gut healing and recipe creation
• Balancing raw and cooked foods without demonizing either
• Creating convenience foods like dehydrated wraps for busy lifestyles
• The importance of meal timing and frequency on a raw diet
• Mindset shifts that support long-term healthy habits

• Most raw food diets fail due to undereating and excessive fat consumption
• The gut microbiome needs time to adapt to higher fiber intake
• Cooking methods matter: steaming and boiling preserve more nutrients than high-heat methods
• Starting the day with fruit provides sustainable energy and supports proper digestion
• Creating raw versions of familiar foods helps with social situations and travel

• Hand Salads: Raw Vegan Wraps (available as eBook and hardcover)
• Over 28 raw vegan recipe eBooks covering burgers, tacos, ice cream, and more
• Community School at rawfoodromance.com for live classes and support
• Excalibur dehydrator for creating wraps and warming foods

• Instagram: @rawfoodromance
• YouTube: Raw Food Romance
• Website: rawfoodromance.com
• eBooks: payhip.com/rawfoodromance (use code RAWFOOD40 for 40% off)

Melissa's journey reminds us that true health transformation isn't about perfection or restriction, but about finding an approach that nourishes both body and soul. By focusing on abundance rather than limitation, adequate nutrition rather than deprivation, and thinking of our future selves when making daily choices, we can create sustainable changes that last a lifetime.

Stacey Heiny is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Plant-Based Nutrition Coach who founded The Herban Farmacy to help women transform their health through whole food, plant-based living. Having interviewed over 150 experts in the wellness world and broken free from her own struggles with food, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to every conversation. Stacey lives in Indiana where she and her husband Kyle own an organic produce farm.

Connect with Stacey:

• Website: theherbanfarmacy.com
• Instagram: @theherbanfarmacy

New Today Podcast is powered by the National Health Association. Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring the path to lasting health and fulfillment through whole food plant-based living.

In this inspiring episode, guest host Maxime Sigouin sits down with Stacey Heiny, a certified holistic nutritionist and lifestyle wellness mentor who transformed her life from depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues to vibrant wellness through plant-based living and mind-body practices.

Stacey Heiny is a certified holistic nutritionist, lifestyle wellness mentor, and founder of The Herban Farmacy. She holds certifications from the Physicians Committee (Food for Life instructor), Cornell University (plant-based nutrition), and is a newly certified plant-based coach through the Food Revolution Network. From her organic farm in Indiana, she grows produce, crafts elderberry wellness remedies, and empowers women through coaching, e-courses, and community building around clean living and holistic health.

• Rock bottom moment: Depression, anxiety, ADHD medication (Adderall), asthma, and poor lifestyle habits in her early 20s
• Pivotal moment: Lying on the couch after eating Papa John's pizza, realizing "there had to be something more"
• The catalyst: Mind-body connection through Pilates and yoga
• Books that changed everything: Natural remedies guide, "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins
• Documentary impact: "Fast Food Nation" - immediate shift away from meat consumption

• Breaking free from the "caffeinated morning, wine at night" lifestyle
• Learning to slow down and connect with her body through Pilates and yoga
• The gut-brain connection and managing IBS symptoms through stress reduction
• Moving from sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system dominance

1. Under-fueling: The biggest hurdle - not eating enough calories due to lower caloric density of plant foods
2. Fear of starch: Avoiding necessary complex carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, and potatoes
3. Perfectionism trap: All-or-nothing mentality instead of sustainable progress
4. Inadequate protein planning: Especially important for women over 40 dealing with sarcopenia

• Plate balancing: Understanding caloric density and proper portions
• Protein optimization: Embracing minimally processed options like tofu, tempeh, and plant protein powders
• Meal timing: "Eat like a king in the morning, prince at lunch, pauper at dinner"
• Social navigation: Planning ahead for restaurants and social gatherings

• The leadership mindset: Being the leader in your social circle for healthy choices
• Restaurant strategies: Ordering first, asking for modifications without shame
• Family and peer pressure: Navigating holidays and social events while staying committed

• Daily self-work: Listening to podcasts, working with coaches, and continuous growth
• Your story matters: The power of sharing vulnerabilities to help others
• Fear of judgment: Working through limiting beliefs and taking "messy, imperfect action"
• Community importance: Finding supportive people who align with your values

• Organic farming journey: Growing from backyard gardening to operating a farm
• Farmers market success: Selling organic produce and herbal remedies
• Future vision: Creating plant-based foods for the local community using tested recipes
• Toxin reduction: Growing clean food as part of overall wellness strategy

1. Start with mind-body connection - Slow, mindful movement can be the gateway to overall health transformation
2. Fuel properly - Don't under-eat when transitioning to plant-based; embrace healthy starches
3. Progress over perfection - 85% plant-based is better than giving up entirely
4. Plan for social situations - Preparation is key to maintaining your lifestyle in challenging environments
5. Invest in personal development - Daily self-work and coaching accelerate growth
6. Your story has power - Sharing your journey authentically helps others and strengthens your own commitment

Certifications:

• Food Revolution Network Plant-Based Coaching Certification: https://certificate.foodrevolution.org/join/ (Stacey calls this "one of the best certifications" she's taken and believes "everybody needs to become a plant-based coach")

Books:

• "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins
• "The Kind Diet" by Alicia Silverstone
• "Sun Food Diet Success System" by David Wolfe
• "4,000 Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman

Products:

• Big Mountain Foods Fava Bean Tofu (64g protein per block)

Podcasts:

• The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial

Upcoming Events:

• Modern Homemaker Conference - September 2025 (Indiana)
• NHA Conference - June 2025

Instagram: @TheHerbanFarmacy
YouTube: The Herban Farmacy
Facebook: Stacey Heiny

Free Resource: High Raw Revival Mini Video Course - A guide to incorporating more raw, living plant foods into your diet for better health and glowing skin.

This episode beautifully illustrates that transformation is possible at any stage of life when you're willing to challenge societal norms and prioritize your health. Stacey's journey from rock bottom to radiant wellness serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, community support, and commitment to personal growth, we can reclaim our health and help others do the same.

Remember: Life is only 4,000 weeks - what are you going to do with yours?

Guest Host: Maxime Sigouin is the founder and CEO of Fit Vegan Coaching, helping people optimize their health through plant-based nutrition and lifestyle design.

Join host Maxime Sigouin as he sits down with Dr. Csilla Veress, a naturopathic doctor from True North Health Center, to explore the fascinating world of medically-supervised water fasting and its profound effects on gut health. Dr. Veress shares her 11-year journey witnessing incredible health transformations and breaks down the science behind fasting's impact on the microbiome.

Dr. Csilla Veress is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing at True North Health Center in California. After leaving a successful career in advertising, she discovered her passion for natural healing and has spent over a decade helping patients reverse chronic diseases through fasting and whole food plant-based nutrition.

• Dr. Veress's journey from advertising executive to naturopathic doctor
• Why True North's approach to fasting is unique (pure water, total rest, no supplements)
• The surprising connection between fasting and gut microbiome diversity
• What happens in your body during a 3-40 day water fast
• Why most people fail at fasting at home vs. in a supervised setting
• The role of stress as the #1 obstacle to health
• Practical first steps for someone wanting to improve their health

💡 The Community Effect: Fasting is exponentially easier in a supportive environment with others doing the same thing

💡 Microbiome Magic: We have 370 trillion microbes vs. 37 trillion human cells - we're more ecosystem than human

💡 The Stress Factor: 85-90% of patients cite stress as their biggest obstacle when trying to maintain healthy habits at home

💡 Autophagy Timing: Significant cellular cleanup begins around hour 17 of fasting

💡 Foundation Philosophy: You can't optimize one pillar of health while ignoring others - holistic approach required

"I see miracles every day... people coming in with information from their medical team saying you can't heal this, you can't reverse that, and we see people doing the impossible." - Dr. Veress

"You can't connect the dots looking forward, only looking backwards." - Steve Jobs (referenced by Maxime)

"People don't know how bad they feel until they feel good." - Common patient feedback

1. Start with one question: "What is your biggest obstacle to your health?"
2. Build your stack of wins: Begin with tiny changes (one extra glass of water daily)
3. Address the stress piece: Identify and tackle stress sources before focusing solely on diet
4. Consider the environment: Change your surroundings to change your habits more effectively

• True North Health Center: healthpromoting.com
• Dr. Csilla Veress: DrCsillaVeress.com
• NHA (Natural Hygiene Association)
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
• Bastyr University (naturopathic medical school)

• Website: DrCsillaVeress.com
• True North Health Center for consultations and programs

• Fit Vegan Coaching
• [Include host's social media/website]

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover these conversations about optimal health and longevity.

• Watch it on YoutTube HERE
• Read the Blog HERE

Join Maxime Sigouin, founder of Fit Vegan Coaching, as he interviews plant-based fitness pioneer Robert Cheeke about resistance training, longevity, and building muscle on a plant-based diet. With 30 years of plant-based living and decades of strength training experience, Robert shares invaluable insights on training evolution, injury prevention, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable fitness.

• How training approaches change from your 20s to 40s and beyond
• Shifting from performance-focused to longevity-focused training
• The importance of acceptance and removing comparison pressure
• Finding joy in movement vs. training as a burden

• Choosing movement first: always taking stairs, walking meetings
• Non-exercise activity benefits for mental clarity and creativity
• Making conscious choices to incorporate movement throughout the day

• Building skeletal muscle and bone density
• Preventing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
• Enhancing mood and building character
• Creating an efficient fat-burning metabolism
• Functional benefits for all sports and activities

• Why fear of "getting too bulky" is unrealistic
• The illusion component of looking fit (body fat % matters more than size)
• Cardio vs. strength training for fat loss
• Why you can't outwork a bad diet

Warm-up:

• Why cold muscles are injury-prone
• Dynamic vs. static stretching
• RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) under 5
• Synovial fluid and joint lubrication

Main Workout:

• Progressive loading strategies
• Form over ego lifting
• Self-awareness and accepting being a beginner
• Common injury patterns and prevention

Cool-down:

• Reducing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
• Maintaining range of motion
• The connection between stretching and posture

• Creating structure and systems
• Building identity through consistent actions
• Connecting today's actions to future outcomes
• Finding motivation through results, not just willpower

• "Consistency is possibly the most important word in the world after love"
• "The fear of getting too muscular is like the fear of accidentally becoming a billionaire"
• "You can't fail if you don't quit"

1. Start with 3x/week, 30-minute strength training sessions
2. Always warm up properly - never rush this phase
3. Focus on form over weight lifted
4. Include 5 minutes of post-workout stretching
5. Track workouts to create accountability
6. Remove comparison to others - train for your own goals

• Maxime Sigouin's YouTube channel - 100+ exercise form videos
• Books by Robert Cheeke:
  • "The Plant-Based Athlete"
  • "The Impactful Vegan"
• Fit Vegan Coaching program

Strength training is essential for longevity, bone density, and quality of life at any age. Success comes from consistency, proper form, and training for your own goals rather than comparing yourself to others. The journey from performance-focused to longevity-focused training requires mindset shifts but ultimately leads to more sustainable, enjoyable fitness practices.

Chuck Carroll, known as the "Weight Loss Champion," lost over 270 pounds and now hosts The Exam Room, a widely respected podcast focused on nutrition and plant-based living. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Chuck joins guest host Maxime Sigouin to talk about a part of health that even he once overlooked: stress. Despite maintaining a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, Chuck shares how chronic stress led to serious health consequences that diet alone couldn't prevent.

They unpack: 👉 The hidden dangers of overworking and emotional escapism 👉 Why boundaries and rest are non-negotiable for long-term health 👉 Chuck's personal experience with burnout, gut issues, and neurological symptoms 👉 What happens when passion turns into self-neglect—and how you can begin to heal This conversation is a powerful reminder that true health goes beyond what's on your plate—and that healing starts with listening to your body, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with what restores you.

Read More: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-126-chuck-carroll/

Follow Chuck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckcarrollwlc

Follow and listen to the Exam Room Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exam-room-by-the-physicians-committee/id1312957138

Follow Maxime on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fitvegan Learn more about Fit Vegan Coaching: https://fitvegancoaching.com/

🎙 Health Science Podcast Announcement – A Message from Dr. Frank Sabatino

Dr. Frank Sabatino, Director of Health Education for the National Health Association and host of the Health Science Podcast, shares a heartfelt update with listeners. Over the past two years, the podcast has featured inspiring and insightful conversations with leading voices in plant-based health, science education, activism, and more.

Now, the team is taking a short break to refresh, revamp, and elevate the show in preparation for an exciting relaunch in Summer 2025. Dr. Sabatino thanks the community for their ongoing support and looks forward to returning with renewed energy and enriched content.

Stay tuned – the best is yet to come!

In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, host Dr. Frank Sabatino welcomes Stacey Heiny, a certified holistic nutritionist, lifestyle wellness mentor, and founder of The Herban Farmacy. Stacey's mission is to help women remove the overwhelm from their wellness journey and create clarity around their health so they can thrive and serve others with purpose.

Stacey shares her personal health journey, from struggling with chronic illness, ADHD, and anxiety to discovering the healing power of plant-based nutrition and holistic living. She discusses her transition from Pilates instructor to nutrition expert, her passion for empowering women, and how environmental toxins and clean beauty play an essential role in long-term health.

Throughout the conversation, Stacey provides valuable insights into breaking free from societal pressures, making intentional health choices, and fostering self-worth through nutrition, movement, and lifestyle changes.

• Stacey's Journey to Holistic Health: Overcoming childhood illness, ADHD, and anxiety through lifestyle changes.

• Pilates as a Gateway to Wellness: How movement sparked her interest in plant-based nutrition.

• Empowering Women Through Wellness: Addressing self-worth, confidence, and the challenges women face in prioritizing their health.

• The Importance of Nutrition in Mental and Physical Health: How adopting a whole food, plant-based diet transformed her energy, clarity, and overall well-being.

• Environmental Toxins and Clean Beauty: The hidden dangers of everyday beauty and household products, and how to transition to safer alternatives.

• The Role of Herbs in Health: Stacey's passion for plant medicine and how she integrates herbs into her lifestyle.

• S.O.S-Free Eating: Why eliminating salt, oil, and sugar can be a game-changer for health.

• The Herban Farmacy: Stacey's brand and online space dedicated to holistic wellness, nutrition, and education.

• Helping Moms Raise Healthy Children: Strategies for making plant-based living easy and sustainable for families.

• Her Organic Farm and Future Business Plans: Expanding access to healthy, plant-based food in Indiana and beyond.

Stacey Heiny is a certified holistic nutritionist and a licensed Food for Life instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. She holds a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University's T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies and has spent over 15 years dedicated to the wellness industry.

She is the founder of The Urban Pharmacy, an educational platform that provides evidence-based nutrition resources, clean beauty advocacy, and holistic living strategies. Stacey and her husband own an organic farm in Indiana, where they grow produce for local farmers' markets and create elderberry products. She is passionate about empowering women to prioritize their health so they can live with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

🌎 Website: www.theherbanpharmacy.com
 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerbanFarmacy
📷 Instagram: @theherbanpharmacy

• Learn more about the National Health Association: healthscience.org

• Explore S.O.S-Free Plant-Based Recipes: HealthScience.org/recipes

• The Urban Pharmacy Podcast: Stay tuned for the relaunch of Stacey's podcast featuring plant-based experts, nutritionists, and wellness mentors.

Stacey encourages listeners to recognize their worth and prioritize their health to unlock their full potential. She emphasizes that self-care is the foundation for serving others and achieving personal fulfillment. Through small, intentional steps in nutrition, movement, and toxin-free living, anyone can create lasting, positive change.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Health Science Podcast on your favorite streaming platform!

Episode 123: Philosophy, Ethics, and the Joy of Going Vegan: Matt Halteman's Compassionate Approach to Food

Guest: Dr. Matthew Halteman
Host: Dr. Frank Sabatino
Presented by: National Health Association

In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, Dr. Frank Sabatino sits down with Dr. Matthew Halteman, a professor of philosophy at Calvin University and fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Dr. Halteman is a passionate advocate for animal rights and food justice, serving on the advisory boards of organizations such as the Better Food Foundation and CreatureKind. He is also the author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan—a book that explores the ethical, philosophical, and joyful aspects of a plant-based lifestyle.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Halteman shares his journey into philosophy and animal advocacy, discusses the intersection of ethics and food choices, and offers insight into the transformative power of veganism—not just for personal health, but for the well-being of animals, the environment, and society. The discussion also explores the deeper philosophical and hermeneutic perspectives that shape our food systems and worldviews.

• Dr. Halteman's background in philosophy and his journey into animal advocacy

• The role of philosophy in helping people examine their food choices

• The ethical and existential dimensions of veganism

• How our personal, emotional, and social attachments shape our relationship with food

• The mechanistic worldview and its impact on our treatment of animals and nature

• The concept of Shalom and its relevance to food justice and compassionate eating

• How to approach veganism as a joyful, evolving journey rather than an all-or-nothing mindset

• Addressing cognitive dissonance and embracing an ethical, holistic lifestyle

• The importance of joy, flourishing, and connection in the vegan movement

Dr. Matthew Halteman is a professor of philosophy at Calvin University and a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. His work focuses on applied ethics, particularly animal and food ethics. He has authored multiple books, including Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation, and Philosophy Comes to Dinner (co-edited with Andrew Chignell and Terence Cuneo).

Beyond academia, he has co-founded and convened events such as the Animals and the Kingdom of God Lecture Series and the Wake Up Weekend Festival, both of which promote awareness and education on ethical eating and animal advocacy.

🌎 Website: www.hungrybeautifulanimals.com
📚 Get the book: Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan (available at your favorite bookseller)
🔗 LinkedIn: Matthew Halteman
📘 Facebook: Matthew C. Halteman
📷 Instagram: @hungrybeautifulanimals

• Learn more about the National Health Association: healthscience.org

• Check out Plant-Exclusive Cruises for a health-centered vacation experience

• Subscribe and leave a review for the Health Science Podcast to support evidence-based discussions on plant-based nutrition, health, and animal advocacy

Dr. Halteman encourages listeners to explore veganism as a joyful, life-enriching journey rather than a rigid rule-based commitment. By embracing compassionate eating, individuals can align their personal choices with values of kindness, health, and sustainability while enhancing their overall well-being.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Health Science Podcast on your favorite streaming platform! 

Read more: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/123-Matthew-Halteman/

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, brought to you by the National Health Association, Dr. Frank Sabatino sits down with Dr. Meagan L. Grega, a board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Kellyn Foundation. Together, they discuss the power of community-driven health initiatives, the importance of making the healthy choice the easy choice, and how the Kellyn Foundation is working to transform neighborhoods with lifestyle medicine programs.

Dr. Grega shares insights on the evolution of her career, from her early passion for service to her realization that true healing comes from prevention and community support. She explains how the Kellyn Foundation integrates school-based education, gardening programs, mobile markets, and hands-on cooking classes to create sustainable change in the Lehigh Valley. If you're looking to learn how lifestyle medicine can be a powerful force for improving health outcomes, this episode is a must-listen!

About Our Guest: Meagan L. Grega, MD, FACLM, DipABLM, DipABFM
Dr. Meagan L. Grega is a leader in Lifestyle Medicine and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Kellyn Foundation (www.kellyn.org), a non-profit dedicated to making the healthy choice the easy choice through community-based health initiatives. The foundation's "Healthy Neighborhood Immersion Strategy" integrates school-based wellness education, hands-on cooking classes, and a mobile market providing access to fresh, nutrient-dense food.

Dr. Grega graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with a B.S. in Biochemistry/Cell Biology and earned her MD from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. She served as a medical officer in the United States Navy and currently manages the Llantrisant Retreat and Wellness Center (www.llantrisantretreat.com). She is actively involved in medical education, serving as faculty for St. Luke's University Health Network and Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine, and is the current Conference Chair for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Annual Meeting. She also serves on the governing boards of both the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• Dr. Grega's journey from aspiring shaman to board-certified physician

• How lifestyle medicine addresses the root causes of disease

• The role of social nudges and choice architecture in shaping healthy behaviors

• The Kellyn Foundation's programs, including school-based education, gardening initiatives, and the Eat Real Food Mobile Market

• Challenges in implementing lifestyle medicine in schools and how to overcome them

• The importance of medically tailored meals and expanding access to nutrition-focused healthcare

• How future physicians are being trained in lifestyle medicine

Resources & Links:

• Kellyn Foundation: www.kellyn.org

• Llantrisant Retreat and Wellness Center: www.llantrisantretreat.com

Connect with Us:

• Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

• Read more at: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-122-meagan-grega/

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 422 million people worldwide, yet many don't realize that it can be reversed with the right approach. This figure comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) and unfortunately, continues to increase. 

Lewis Bertus, PA-C, is on a mission to change that. As the founder of Diabetes180, Lewis has helped countless individuals transform their health using a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based approach. Featured on the NHA Health Science Podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino, Lewis shares his groundbreaking methods and personal journey, which combines professional expertise with deeply rooted values.

A Holistic Start: From Theology to Medicine

Lewis's foundation in holistic health began early, growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, which emphasizes the connection between physical and spiritual well-being. His undergraduate studies in theology further shaped his belief in holistic healing, and his early career in community outreach gave him firsthand experience addressing preventable health challenges.

"I grew up understanding that if you nourish the body correctly, it can heal itself," Lewis said, crediting his upbringing for introducing him to plant-based principles long before they were mainstream.

Personal Experience Sparks Professional Mission

The inspiration behind Diabetes180 came from a personal challenge—helping his wife reverse her diabetes. Despite following conventional dietary advice and even experimenting with a keto diet, her condition persisted. Frustrated but determined, Lewis dove deep into research and implemented a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet.

"Within six weeks, her blood sugar normalized," Lewis shared. "Her success became the catalyst for what is now the Diabetes180 program."

Breaking Down Diabetes: Addressing the Root Cause

Contrary to popular belief, Lewis explained, type 2 diabetes isn't caused by carbohydrates. Instead, he highlighted how excess dietary fat creates insulin resistance.

Excess dietary fat creates a barrier that prevents insulin from effectively delivering glucose into the cells. By focusing on a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, clients in the Diabetes180 program can significantly enhance their insulin sensitivity and take meaningful steps toward reversing diabetes.

The Diabetes180 Program: A Path to Transformation

Lewis's three-month program offers a comprehensive approach to reversing diabetes, focusing on:

• Dietary Transition: Guidance on adopting a low-fat, plant-based diet.

• Mindset Coaching: Practical tools for managing stress and fostering a positive outlook.

• Exercise Recommendations: Customized plans incorporating both aerobic and resistance training.

Lewis's wife, a former diabetic, co-leads the program, bringing personal insight and emotional support to clients navigating similar journeys.

Tackling Sugar Cravings and Integrating Fasting

Addressing sugar cravings effectively requires a complete dietary reset, as gradual changes often prove less successful. The program also incorporates intermittent fasting as a powerful strategy for clients with persistent insulin resistance. By synchronizing eating patterns with natural circadian rhythms, fasting promotes faster recovery and supports improved metabolic health.

Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Physicians

One of the biggest challenges Lewis faces is overcoming the widespread misconception that carbohydrates cause diabetes. By educating clients—and sometimes their physicians—on the science of insulin resistance, Lewis helps pave the way for sustainable health improvements.

Lewis ensures that clients understand his role as a supportive coach and resource, complementing the care provided by their primary healthcare team rather than replacing it. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make lifestyle changes while maintaining the guidance of their existing medical professionals.

Ready to Reverse Diabetes?

To learn more about Diabetes180 or to schedule a consultation with Lewis Bertus, visit www.LewisBertus.com. 

Episode Highlights 

[00:00] Introduction.

[02:00] It started with church. 

[04:50] The spiritual side of plant based eating. 

[07:00] Lewis' wifes' diabetes was a huge motivator to start his coaching practice. 

[11:00] Is the problem fat or carbs?

[14:00] Is what you eat "gumming" the lock? 

[16:00] In the long run, it's easier when you make a clean break from sugar. 

[20:00] Diabetes180 program elements. 

[27:30] The role intermittent fasting has on our health. 

[31:00] Start the day with your largest meal. 

[34:00] Stop masking your symptoms. 

[40:00] Strategies to manage stress. 

[43:00] What's on the horizon for Lewis.

Read more at: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-121-lewis-bertus/

When it comes to solving the world's biggest challenges—climate change, food insecurity, and public health—where do we even start? According to Sarah Lake, CEO of Tilt Collective, the answer lies in a powerful combination of philanthropy and plant-rich diets. In her conversation with Dr. Frank Sabatino on the Health Science Podcast, Sarah outlined how these two forces can drive systemic change and create a sustainable future.

Here's why this matters—and how you can help move the needle.

Philanthropy: A Critical Catalyst for Change

Can philanthropy really make a difference in climate action? Sarah Lake confirmed this to be true. Philanthropic investments do more than fund projects—they de-risk innovative ideas, paving the way for larger public and private sector funding.

"Philanthropy is critical in paving the pathway for greater investment, even when governments are slow to act," Sarah explained. Examples from renewable energy and electric vehicles show how early philanthropic contributions spark momentum that leads to transformative results.

But philanthropy doesn't just support new technologies; it also helps reframe critical conversations. Tilt Collective conducts research to showcase the value of these investments, providing policymakers with clear, actionable data that resonates with their priorities. Whether it's reducing healthcare costs or strengthening food security, philanthropy opens doors to solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.

The Power of Plant-Rich Diets: Five Times the Impact

Here's a shocking statistic: Shifting to plant-rich diets has five times the climate impact of renewable energy. That's right—your plate has more power than your Prius.

"This isn't about making a more sustainable cow—it's about removing the cow from the equation," Sarah noted. Producing and consuming less meat drastically cuts greenhouse gas emissions, reduces food waste, and frees up land for carbon sequestration. By turning agricultural land into carbon sinks, we can double down on climate benefits.

The best part? Change doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Sarah emphasized that even small reductions in meat consumption—especially among the biggest consumers—can make a huge difference. In the U.S., for example, 50% of red meat is consumed by just 12% of the population. Addressing overconsumption alone could move us significantly closer to climate goals.

Breaking Barriers: Making Plant-Based Choices Accessible

Why aren't plant-based options more widespread? Sarah pointed to systemic issues like food deserts and economic inequality, particularly in the U.S., where affordable, calorie-dense fast food often wins over healthier, more sustainable choices.

"People want the McDonald's Big Mac that fits their $5 budget," she explained. Meanwhile, in countries like the U.K., government subsidies make plant-based options more affordable, encouraging widespread adoption.

Tilt Collective is working to bridge this gap by advocating for policies that make plant-rich options accessible and affordable for everyone. But they can't do it alone—and that's where you come in.

Hope on the Horizon: Why Change Is Possible

Despite the challenges, Sarah is optimistic. "Money talks and cows walk," she said, pointing to businesses that are already profiting from plant-based innovations. Companies like JBS, the world's largest meat processor, have entered the plant-based market and are seeing exponential growth in alternative protein products.

Capitalism, Sarah believes, will ultimately drive the transition to sustainable food systems. But to accelerate this shift, we need public demand and continued investment in research and innovation.

What You Can Do Today

Here's how you can make a difference:

1. Support Plant-Rich Choices: Every meal matters. Start by incorporating more plant-based options into your diet.
2. Demand Better Policies: Call on companies and governments to prioritize sustainable food systems.
3. Invest in the Movement: Support organizations like Tilt Collective that are driving systemic change through research, advocacy, and innovation.

Join the Movement

Tilt Collective hosted the webinar, Five Big Ideas for 2025, to spotlight progress in plant-rich food systems and outline actionable steps for the future. Be sure to check out the website for details on upcoming webinars, initiatives and events. 

Visit tiltcollective.org to learn more and stay connected.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] Introduction.

[02:00] A severe heart attack of Sarah's father was the catalyst in food choices. 

[06:00] Corporations shape unhealthy food choices. 

[10:00] Reshaping food subsidization. 

[15:45] Triggering the bliss point to get people hooked on unhealthy foods. 

[20:00] How Tilt Collection evolved due to food insecurities. 

[24:00] How the Food & Agriculture Organization has major conflicts of interest. 

[27:00] Philanthropy is part of the solution.

[33:00] Establishing standards for healthy consumption. 

[37:00] Shifting the mindset of all animal consumption, abuse and use. 

[41:00] The United States has extreme issues with poverty & food deserts. 

[44:00] There is money to be made with healthy, plant-based options.

Read more: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-120-sarah-lake/

Every day, billions of people consume animal products without considering the impact on their health, the environment, and animals. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, celebrated advocate and bestselling author, dedicates her life to unraveling this disconnection. Known as the "Joyful Vegan," she has transformed countless lives through her books, podcasts, and innovative approaches to promoting compassion and ethical living.

On the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, Colleen shared her personal journey and the pivotal moments that shaped her commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. From her early experiences to her groundbreaking projects, Colleen offers a blueprint for creating a more compassionate world.

From childhood, most people are taught to love animals through stories, toys, and films. Yet, these same animals often appear on dinner plates, leading to a subconscious compartmentalization of compassion. This societal norm not only numbs empathy but also perpetuates harm on a massive scale. Colleen explores this phenomenon in her work, helping people recognize and reconcile this internal conflict.

Colleen's journey began with a profound awakening sparked by reading Diet for a New America by John Robbins and later Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisnitz. These books exposed the grim realities of industrial farming and the culture of violence it perpetuates. These experiences led her to align her values with her actions, igniting her passion for advocating for animals and ethical living.

Through her seven bestselling books, including The Joyful Vegan, and her long-running Food for Thought podcast, Colleen provides practical tools and inspiration for those seeking to make more compassionate choices. Her Joyful Vegan Trips further illustrate how plant-based living can be abundant, joyful, and culturally enriching, breaking down myths about veganism being restrictive or inaccessible.

Colleen's upcoming book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free, set to release in March 2025, is a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to live more ethically and sustainably. This work reflects her ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with knowledge and practical steps to align their values with their daily lives.

Colleen's message is simple yet powerful: Start where you are. Change doesn't have to be all or nothing. Small, consistent steps toward reducing harm and embracing compassion can lead to transformative outcomes for individuals, animals, and the planet.

To explore Colleen's work and discover how you can create meaningful change, visit JoyfulVegan.com.

Full post at: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/119-colleen-patrick-goudreau/

The path to creating a more compassionate world isn't always clear-cut, but Tobias Leenaert has dedicated his life to finding practical and impactful ways to make it a reality. A thought leader in the vegan movement, Tobias brings a pragmatic lens to one of the most pressing ethical and environmental challenges of our time. In a recent conversation with Dr. Frank Sabatino on the NHA Health Science Podcast, he shared his strategies for making plant-based living accessible, achievable, and appealing for people around the globe.

As the co-founder of Ethical Vegetarian Alternatives (now ProVeg Belgium) and author of How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach, Tobias emphasizes a results-driven methodology that prioritizes empathy, inclusion, and systemic change. His journey, which began with a simple yet profound moral question at the age of 10, has evolved into a lifelong commitment to reducing suffering and building a sustainable future.

A Lifelong Commitment to Compassion

Tobias' journey began in Belgium when, as a child, he asked himself a simple question: "Why do we pet dogs but eat cows?" Growing up surrounded by both pets and farm animals, Tobias was struck by the lack of a morally relevant difference between the two. This realization planted the seeds of his activism. However, it wasn't until his university years that he fully embraced veganism, inspired by his academic exploration of human-animal relationships and the consequences of meat consumption.

Internships with leading U.S. animal advocacy organizations like PETA and FARM gave Tobias firsthand experience in global activism. Upon returning to Belgium, he recognized a gap in advocacy efforts and founded Belgium's first vegan organization to address it. Over the years, this organization evolved into ProVeg Belgium, a global leader in plant-based advocacy.

Full post at: https://www.HealthScience.org/118-tobias-leenaert