Food, We Need To Talk

Juna Gjata

A science-based, humor-laced approach to health and fitness.

  • 4 minutes 49 seconds
    The Toxins You’re Exposed to (Without Knowing It)

    In this episode, we continue our conversation about how your environment might be shaping your health with Dr. Gary Miller, professor of environmental health at Columbia University. We go deeper into the exposome — including how social factors, housing, air quality, and even stress leave measurable chemical fingerprints in your body. Dr. Miller explains what doctors don’t yet test for, why personal exposure testing isn’t quite ready for prime time, and what actually helps reduce risk right now. We also get practical (and honest) about masks, gas stoves, moldy apartments, self-tanner, makeup, and heating food in plastic. If you’ve ever wondered how much control you really have over your exposures — and what’s worth changing — this bonus episode is for you.

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    9 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 1 second
    It’s Not Your Genes. It Might Be Your Water.

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Gary Miller, a professor at Columbia University, about how the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we use every day may be shaping our health more than our genes ever could. We dive into the science of the “exposome,” why diseases like Parkinson’s and obesity are rising so fast, and what everyday chemicals might be doing inside your body. Along the way, we get practical about what actually matters — from water filters and air purifiers to plastics, perfumes, and even flowers on cakes. Dr. Miller breaks down what’s truly worth worrying about and what’s not. If you’ve ever wondered how much control you really have over your environment (and your future health), this episode will change how you look at everything around you.

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    2 February 2026, 11:00 am
  • 4 minutes 4 seconds
    Why Willpower Fails and the Simple Habit Hacks That Actually Work

    On this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Jonathan Bonnet—this time getting very practical about behavior change. We dig into the small, underrated “hacks” that actually make habits stick, from visual cues and environment design to making healthy choices the easiest option by default. We also talk through strategies for breaking habits you don’t want—like mindless scrolling or smoking—plus realistic approaches to sleep and stress that don’t require becoming a meditation monk. If you’re great at setting goals but struggle with follow-through, this bonus episode is all about closing that gap. Think less willpower, more systems that work with your brain instead of against it.

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    26 January 2026, 11:00 am
  • 43 minutes
    4 Health Changes That Prevent 80% of Disease

    In this episode, we zoom way out and ask a simple but powerful question: what health behaviors actually make the biggest difference? We’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Bonnet, a lifestyle medicine physician and former personal trainer, to cut through the noise of biohacks, microplastics, and wellness overwhelm. Together, we talk about the “big levers” of health—movement, food, sleep, stress, connection—and how to prioritize change without trying to fix everything at once. Dr. Bonnet explains why your why matters more than perfection, how identity shapes long-term habits, and why radical consistency beats flashy New Year’s resolutions every time. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by too much health advice, this episode will help you focus on the few things that are actually worth changing for. 

    Find Dr. Bonnet's lifestyle assessment here.

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    19 January 2026, 11:00 am
  • 3 minutes 58 seconds
    The Psychology Behind Fitness Scams

    In this episode we continue our conversation with Mark Faries all about why it’s so hard to do the things we know we want to do—and why we keep falling for shiny shortcuts that promise big results with zero effort. Mark breaks down the psychology behind infomercials, fad diets, and “miracle” fitness gadgets using a simple framework that will permanently change how you spot misleading health claims. We talk about why things like the Thigh Master and vibrating belts feel so convincing, where a kernel of truth often hides in bad advice, and how hope gets exploited by marketing. The real takeaway? Your success doesn’t come from a product—it comes from you, and understanding that is incredibly empowering. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, duped, or stuck when it comes to behavior change, this conversation will make you feel seen and smarter about what actually works.

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    12 January 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 38 minutes 20 seconds
    The Science of Motivation: Why It’s So Hard to Stick to Your Goals

    n this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark Faries, a behavioral medicine expert, to unpack why New Year’s resolutions fail—and why “just do it” doesn’t actually work when it comes to motivation, habits, and behavior change. We talk about confidence, self-discipline, and the real science behind why it’s so hard to stick to goals like exercising more, eating better, or finally following through on the habits you set every January. Dr. Faries shares practical, research-backed strategies to close the gap between intention and action, including how to set goals that actually stick and how to get back on track after falling off. If you’re searching for answers to why motivation disappears, how to build better habits, or how to make this year different, this conversation will hit home. You’ll walk away with a totally new way to think about goal-setting—and tools that make real, sustainable change feel possible.

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    1 January 2026, 11:00 am
  • 12 minutes 33 seconds
    A New Chapter

    In this episode, Juna and Eddie share big news, reflect on what’s made the show so special, and hint at what comes next. It’s not goodbye forever… but it is a goodbye.

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    15 September 2025, 3:00 pm
  • 3 minutes 20 seconds
    What No One Tells You About Supplements

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dr. Eric Topol, diving into the truth behind supplements, saunas, cold plunges, and other so-called “longevity hacks.” He explains why most supplements don’t do anything for healthy people, why fads like cold plunges are a farce, and what actually matters if you want to extend your healthspan. We also cover the exceptions—like documented deficiencies—and whether Omega-3s have a place. Dr. Topol makes it clear that the real “hacks” aren’t hacks at all.

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    9 September 2025, 1:01 pm
  • 44 minutes 24 seconds
    How to Add a Decade to Your Life

    In this episode we sit down with Dr. Eric Topol—one of the most cited scientists in the world and author of SuperAges—to explore what the science actually says about living longer and healthier. We talk about what aging really is, why trying to reverse it can backfire, and the surprising role lifestyle factors play in slowing down the biological clock. Dr. Topol also explains how exercise, sleep, and diet can add up to an extra decade of healthy years, why ultra-processed foods may be the cigarettes of our generation, and how new tools like AI and gut-based medicines could transform prevention. This conversation is both eye-opening and practical, giving you the tools to make changes today that could add years to your life. If you’ve ever wondered what’s hype and what’s real in the world of longevity, you’ll want to hear this one.

    Check out Dr. Topol's incredible book Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity. If you like research,  you will LOVE this book. 

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    1 September 2025, 10:00 am
  • 4 minutes 45 seconds
    Is Olive Oil a Magic Bullet?

    In this episode, we continue our conversation with Mauro Serafini all about the connection between food, inflammation, and long-term health. We dig into how obesity and metabolic syndrome fuel chronic inflammation, why even people who aren’t overweight can still be at risk, and why not all calories are created equal. Mauro explains how losing fat (not just weight) lowers inflammation, and he shares his perspective on the role of olive oil, fresh markets, and the eating habits of centenarians. We also explore his philosophy of nutritional kindness, a simple, compassionate approach to eating that makes healthy habits sustainable for the long run.

    To hear the rest of this bonus episode, come join the Foodie Fam!

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    https://www.instagram.com/theofficialjuna/

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    25 August 2025, 12:53 pm
  • 41 minutes 17 seconds
    Are Superfoods Real... or Just a Scam?

    In this episode, we sit down with Professor Mauro Serafini, one of the world’s leading experts on nutrition, to unpack all those health buzzwords you hear everywhere: antioxidants, free radicals, oxidative stress, and yes—superfoods. We dig into the science behind whether kale, blueberries, or even chocolate really deserve their “super” status, and what’s actually happening inside your body when you eat them. Professor Serafini shares fascinating research on how timing your meals can affect inflammation, aging, and even longevity, plus why adding fruits and veggies to every meal is more powerful than you think. You’ll hear surprising truths about supplements, chocolate’s role as a genuine superfood, and how everyday food choices can lower your risk for chronic disease. If you’ve ever wondered whether “superfoods” are just hype or real science, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

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    18 August 2025, 10:00 am
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