Dr. Colin Zhu is a double board-certified Family/Lifestyle medicine doctor and he interviews the latest health and wellness experts about incorporating a plant-powered lifestyle, enhancing emotional wellness, and creating a thriving mindset!
Catch our new episodes on YouTube: https://bit.ly/TheChefDocYT
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Ep 198 - From Nurse To Kitchen Rx Educator with Dr. Josie Bidwell
Episode 198
Thursday, July 31, 2025 • Duration 49:19
What happens when a nurse brings healing into the kitchen? 🍎👩⚕️
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Josie Bidwell—nurse, professor, and culinary medicine educator—who shares how she’s transforming lives in Mississippi through food, education, and lifestyle medicine.
We talk about Mississippi’s rich food culture, what sparked her shift from traditional nursing to culinary education, common health myths, and heartwarming patient stories that prove food truly is medicine.
You'll also learn why she started Kitchen Rx and how she's reaching patients right where they are—even at the YMCA!
✨ Whether you're into plant-based alternatives, lifestyle tips, or simply want to cry less while cutting onions—this one’s for you.
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized redistribution or reproduction of any copyrighted materials on this website is strictly prohibited.
Ep 197 - Flavorful Plant-Based Latin & Caribbean Recipes with Coach Karla Salinari
Episode 197
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 • Duration 57:39
How do you honor your cultural roots while living a healthy, plant-based lifestyle? Can traditional Latin and Caribbean dishes be both healing and flavorful, without meat or dairy?
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Karla Salinari, also known as The Latina Health Coach, to explore the intersection of culture, wellness, and plant-based nutrition. Karla is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Nutrition Educator, Speaker, and Author of Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen (Simon & Schuster).
She helps people reclaim their cultural identity through food by transforming traditional recipes into vibrant, plant-based meals. If you’re interested in plant-based cooking, LatinX wellness, chronic disease prevention, or simply love healthy, flavorful food inspired by Latin and Caribbean heritage, this episode is for you.
📚 My upcoming cookbook 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐍 🌎 is now available for PRE-ORDER!
Packed with over 100 PLANT-BASED recipes to connect the crucial dots of health, community, and environmental sustainability.
➡️ PREORDER HERE:
Ep 196 - Redefining Healing Across Asian American Generations with Yellow Chair Collective
Episode 196
Friday, June 27, 2025 • Duration 51:19
What does healing look like when your identity straddles cultures? How do we address mental health in a community taught to stay silent? What if redefining wellness means confronting intergenerational wounds—together?
In this episode, we sit down with Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon—two powerhouse mental health advocates, co-authors of Where I Belong: Healing Trauma and Embracing Asian American Identity, and co-founders of @yellowchaircollective.
Together, they share the inspiration behind building culturally responsive spaces for Asian Americans to begin their healing journeys. From the gaps in traditional mental health care to the deeply rooted stigma within immigrant families, they break down how identity, resilience, and community shape the healing process.
Soo Jin Lee is a licensed therapist, Executive Director of Yellow Chair Collective, and co-founder of Entwine Community.
Linda Yoon is the founder of Yellow Chair Collective and a fellow co-founder of Entwine.
Both have been recognized by NPR, PBS, CBS, and more for their groundbreaking work in Asian American mental health.
If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures or questioned your place in the world, this episode is a must-listen.
📚 My upcoming cookbook 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐍 🌎 is now available for PRE-ORDER!
Packed with over 100 PLANT-BASED recipes to connect the crucial dots of health, community, and environmental sustainability.
➡️ PREORDER HERE:
Ep 195 - How A Vegan Chef Creates Generational Health with Chef Nekia Hattley
Episode 195
Friday, June 13, 2025 • Duration 55:20
Can a vegan lifestyle create generational health?
🌱 In this powerful episode of the Thrive Bites Podcast, Dr. Colin Zhu sits down with Chef Nekia Hattley—plant-based foodie, chef, and founder of My Daddy’s Recipes—to explore how a shift to vegan living transformed not just her health, but her purpose and mission.
Chef Nekia opens up about her journey, her love for soulful, plant-based comfort food, and how she’s using food to empower communities of color to live more consciously and healthfully. From legacy-inspired recipes to redefining wellness, this episode dives deep into what it means to create health that lasts for generations.
🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on food, culture, and the power of healing through plants.
Ep 194 - Breaking The Stigma Around Men's Mental Health
Episode 194
Thursday, May 29, 2025 • Duration 01:15:20
What does healing look like when men are finally allowed to speak?
In this powerful episode, we bring together four incredible voices—Leo Xia, Michael Huynh, Jackson Xia, and Noel Garcia, who are each reshaping the conversation around men’s mental health, identity, and healing within Asian and Asian American communities.
Through stories of pain, resilience, and community, this episode sheds light on how mental health challenges have shaped their identities, not just as individuals, but as men breaking generational silence.
We also discuss what the future could look like if more safe spaces existed for men to connect, express, and heal. Whether you're personally navigating your journey or looking to support others, this conversation offers hope, guidance, and a powerful reminder: you are not alone.
About the guests:
Leo Xia is a men’s group leader and facilitator focused on supporting Asian men. Through over six years of work and 500+ conversations, he’s explored themes such as masculinity, identity, and culture. He leads JinShan Men’s Community under his company, JinShan Collective, and facilitates Proud Asian Men with the nonprofit Asian Mental Health Project.
Michael Huynh is a mental health researcher completing his PhD in Public Health at UC Irvine. He studies the impact of social relationships on mental health within Asian American communities.
Jackson Xia is a dancer and facilitator who brings people together through joyful movement. With 15 years of street dance experience, he’s taught youth across 20+ schools and led sessions for groups like Homeboy Industries and the Sierra Club. He also founded Soulful Sundays, a free dance picnic in Echo Park that supports mental health through movement in nature.
Ep 193 - How A Gym Founder Built A Community That Thrives with Coach Josh Graves
Episode 193
Thursday, May 15, 2025 • Duration 53:20
What if your gym felt more like a community than cold, standalone machines? In this episode, I sit down with Coach Josh Graves, founder of Fitness on Fire, to unpack what it takes to build a fitness business that lasts—and why community might be the most important muscle you build.
We talk about how Josh and his wife Haydee took a leap of faith in 2015, opening a gym not just for physical activity and exercise, but for connection, growth, and belonging.
Fitness on Fire just celebrated 10 years and is more than a gym—it’s a life-supporting ecosystem.
📍 Tune in as we cover:
How Coach Josh turned 6,000 square feet into a community-powered wellness hub
Why most gyms fail—and how he built one that thrives
The biggest challenges new fitness entrepreneurs face (and how to push through)
Why self-development is fitness—and how the Blue Zones back that up
His favorite client transformations, what he’d tell his past self, and what’s next
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn passion into purpose, or how fitness can fuel more than just the body, this one’s for you.
Like, comment, and share if this episode fired you up!
Don’t forget to subscribe to Thrive Bites for more real stories that move you!
Ep 192 - Rethinking Food Storage To Save Food Waste
Episode 192
Friday, May 2, 2025 • Duration 43:24
Could rethinking your food storage change your health and the planet? In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Grieg, Co-Owner and Co-Operator of Ambrosia, and Grae Maisenbacher from the marketing team, to dive into how a simple family tradition turned into a powerful movement for sustainability, reducing food waste, and reimagining everyday choices.
Jordan shares the story of how her mother, Jan, sparked the original idea behind Ambrosia— inspired by how her grandmother kept greens fresh long before plastic bags existed. We also explore how plastics came to dominate food storage, how different cultures approach food preservation, and why food waste is such a critical issue today.
Tune in to learn:
- The simple old-school trick for keeping produce fresh
- How plastic is impacting our food systems, and solutions you can start today
- Tips for making your kitchen more sustainable and efficient
- Why Ambrosia’s bags are different and how they support reforestation efforts.
If you care about food, conscious living, or simply want to be part of a better solution, this conversation is for you. Find out where to get your own Ambrosia Bag.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering conversations!
🥦 Sustainable Produce Bags to Avoid Produce Waste!
Ep 191 - The Fish-Free Omegas You Haven't Heard Of with Dr. Jeff Matheson
Episode 191
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • Duration 46:31
Looking for a cleaner, more sustainable source of omegas that doesn’t come from fish? 🐟🚫
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Matheson shares a powerful plant-based alternative that could change the game for your brain, heart, and overall health.
Dr. Jeff Matheson is the Founder and Medical Director of Pure Life Science and the Medical Director of The Headache, Migraine & Pain Treatment Centre. With over 30 years of medical experience spanning emergency care and integrative pain management, Dr. Matheson has spent the last six years successfully using Parent Essential Oils (PEOs) in his clinical practice.
Tune in to learn:
- The fish-free omega you probably haven’t heard of
- Why treating pain starts with understanding the person
- How lifestyle and nutrition play a key role in long-term healing
If you're into holistic health, functional medicine, or just want a smarter way to support your wellness, this one’s for you.
Ep 190 - Unlock The Power of Plants with Science & Cooking with Chef Caryn & Dr. Jim Loomis - Part 2
Episode 190
Thursday, April 3, 2025 • Duration 48:56
Now, in Part 2, we’re taking it a step further—diving into practical ways to make plant-based eating sustainable, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone!
Chef Caryn Dugan and Dr. Jim Loomis return to share more insights, debunk myths, and demonstrate how simple, delicious meals can fuel your body and prevent disease. Whether you're just starting your plant-based journey or looking for new inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
Tune in now and discover how to bring the power of plants to your plate—one delicious meal at a time.
Ep 189 - Unlock The Power of Plants with Science & Cooking with Chef Caryn & Dr. Jim Loomis - Part 1
Episode 189
Saturday, March 29, 2025 • Duration 25:06
Can food truly be medicine? What if science and cooking came together to make plant-based eating both powerful and practical? In this episode, we explore the science behind plant-based nutrition and how to bring it to life in your kitchen with Chef Caryn Dugan and Dr. Jim Loomis.
Chef Caryn Dugan is the founder of the Center for Plant-Based Living, the nation’s first plant-based culinary education center. After facing personal health challenges, she turned to a whole food, plant-based diet and never looked back. Caryn is a certified instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and has trained under leading experts in plant-based nutrition.
Dr. Jim Loomis is an internal medicine physician, lifestyle medicine expert, and Medical Director at PCRM. He has served as the team doctor for the St. Louis Rams and Cardinals, as well as the tour physician for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Loomis is a strong advocate for food as medicine and has been featured in the documentary The Game Changers. Together, Caryn and Dr. Loomis co-host The Doc and Chef, a YouTube series where science meets cooking. Each episode breaks down a health topic—Dr. Loomis explains the research, and Caryn brings it to life with a practical, delicious recipe.
Tune in now and learn how to bring the power of plants to your plate!
Discover shows related to Thrive Bites, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
Noel Garcia is a Filipino American artist and founder of Genbu Daiko, with nearly 30 years of experience in Taiko drumming. His work blends rhythm, story, and soul to create spaces for healing, reflection, and connection.
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
DISCLAIMER: *Interview views are opinions of the individual. This podcast is not a medical, mental, or dental health advice source. All opinions expressed are my own and those of the guests.*
