Best Clarissa Kennedy Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 231: Dr. Filippa Juul "Ultra-Processed Food: The Hidden Crisis" 49:19

4d ago49:19

49:19

In this illuminating episode we speak with Dr. Filippa Juul. An epidemiologist and leading researcher on the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on human health. Together, we unpack what ultra-processed really means, why it's not just about calories or macros, and how these foods are stealthily contributing to the global rise in obesity, chronic…

1
Episode 31: The Healing You’re Avoiding - Why Group Work Changes Everything 21:35

6d ago21:35

21:35

In this spontaneous and heart-forward episode, Molly C., Clarissa, and Molly P. crack open the resistance so many of us feel toward group work, and why that resistance might be precisely the sign we need more connection, not less. Together, the trio explores why group healing matters, how co-regulation works, and what it means to feel seen, safe, a…

1
Episode 230: Dr. Cynthia Bulik 53:11

11d ago53:11

53:11

Dr. Cynthia Bulik is a clinical psychologist and one of the world's leading experts on eating disorders. She is the Founding Director of the University of North Carolina Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and also the founder director of the Centre for Eating Disorders Innovation at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. Dr. Bulik is Di…

1
Episode 30: GLP-1s in Food Addiction Recovery: Game-Changer or Controversy? 18:47

13d ago18:47

18:47

The Food Shrinks are back with a spicy, heartfelt conversation about one of the most polarizing tools in the recovery world right now—GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy). In this episode, they tackle the growing buzz (and backlash) around these drugs in eating disorder and food addiction spaces. Are GLP-1s a betrayal of “real” recovery, or …

1
Episode 229: Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD The Ozempic Revolution 55:03

18d ago55:03

55:03

Dr. Alexandra Sowa, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and obesity medicine. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, NYU School of Medicine, and Yale University, Dr. Sowa combines top-tier medical training with a deeply compassionate, evidence-based approach to metabolic health. She is the founder and CEO of SoWell …

1
Episode 29: “Chronic Relapser”? Don’t Talk About My Friend Like That 20:06

20d ago20:06

20:06

In this compelling episode, the Food Shrinks team tackles one of the most used—and deeply harmful—labels in recovery spaces: “chronic relapser.” With both fire and tenderness, the Shrinks dismantle this shame-based term and offer a new way to understand recurrence through the lens of chronic ambivalence, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care. Y…

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Episode 228: Dr. Thomas Seyfried - Cancer as a Metabolic Disorder 56:19

25d ago56:19

56:19

In this compelling episode, Dr. Vera Tarman interviews Dr. Thomas Seyfried, a pioneer in the field of cancer metabolism. Dr. Seyfried challenges the mainstream view of cancer as a genetic disease and presents strong evidence that cancer is fundamentally a mitochondrial metabolic disorder. Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried is a distinguished American biologist…

1
Episode 28: Let’s Talk About Volume 21:38

27d ago21:38

21:38

In this deeply honest and layered conversation, The Food Shrinks—Clarissa Kennedy, Molly Carmel, and Molly Painschab— dive into one of the most misunderstood and rarely talked-about experiences in food addiction recovery: volume of whole foods in food addiction recovery. What begins as a casual check-in quickly becomes a masterclass on the biologic…

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Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 26: Joy M 41:17

27d ago41:17

41:17

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Food Junkies Recovery Stories CJ sits down with Joy M, who shares her courageous story of unraveling the illusion of the “perfect life” to find true recovery and emotional freedom. From childhood trauma and food obsession to substance use, codependency, and the sneaky nature of sugar addiction, Joy take…

1
Episode 227: Clinician’s Corner - Recovery Is a Lifestyle, Not a Lifeboat – Maintaining Long-Term Recovery 38:43

1M ago38:43

38:43

In this episode of Clinician’s Corner, Molly and Clarissa explore the often-overlooked realities of long-term recovery. While many recovery programs focus on the acute phases and early abstinence, sustainable recovery demands much more—it asks us to renovate our lives. Drawing from the latest research—including insights from Harvard’s Recovery Rese…

1
Episode 27: Help, I Posted on TikTok and Now I Need Therapy! 19:32

1M ago19:32

19:32

In this vulnerable and fiery episode, the Shrinks crack open a raw conversation about what happens when you dare to speak your truth in a world that’s not always ready to hear it. Molly C. shares the emotional fallout of going viral on TikTok — and getting slammed for it. What started as a conversation about food boundaries quickly turned into a de…

1
Episode 226: Dr. Jen Unwin on Consensus, Recovery Outcomes, and the Future of Food Addiction Treatment 47:14

1M ago47:14

47:14

In this episode of Food Junkies Podcast, Molly and Clarissa sit down with clinical psychologist, researcher, and international food addiction advocate Dr. Jen Unwin to unpack a trifecta of groundbreaking developments in the field of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD). If you’ve been craving science-backed insight, real recovery stories, and …

1
Episode 26: When You Just Don’t Wanna: Recovery in a Motivation Slump 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

Feeling like you're slogging through sludge in your recovery? You're not alone. In this vulnerable and validating episode, the Shrinks get real about what to do when the motivation to stay on track just… isn’t there. From functional freeze to emotional flatness, we unpack what it means when everything feels like too much—even when you know what to …

1
Episode 225: Dr. Vera Tarman & Bitten Jonsson Reflect on Food Addiction Recovery 1:04:14

2M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

In this extraordinary episode, Food Junkies host Dr. Vera Tarman turns the mic on herself—joined by Swedish trailblazer Bitten Jonsson—for a deeply personal, no-holds-barred conversation on their parallel journeys through food addiction, recovery, and advocacy. With over 60 years of combined experience in addiction medicine, Vera and Bitten walk us…

1
Episode 25: You’re Not Fragile: Unpacking the Power of Fragilization 20:47

2M ago20:47

20:47

In this episode, the Food Shrinks crew explores a powerful, overlooked concept: fragilization. From personal stories to real recovery insights, the team explores how treating ourselves—or others—as too delicate can actually stall growth, deepen shame, and keep us stuck. Whether it’s in addiction recovery, mental health, or just day-to-day life, fra…

1
Episode 224: Dr. Eike Buabang - Breaking the Habit Loop: How Our Brains Build—and Battle—Behavior Patterns 54:00

2M ago54:00

54:00

In this powerful and timely conversation, we welcome Dr. Eike Buabang, cognitive neuroscientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, to explore one of the most fundamental yet overlooked topics in recovery: habits. Dr. Buabang studies the brain mechanisms behind habit formation—why we repeat behaviors even when they no longer…

1
Episode 24: Letting Go & Growing Up 17:33

2M ago17:33

17:33

Welcome to the Food Shrinks podcast! In this heartfelt and honest episode, the Food Shrinks team dives into a powerful listener-submitted question: What happens when the people, places, and things that once brought us comfort no longer fit in our healing and recovery journey? This week, we explore the grief and growth that come with outgrowing rela…

1
Episode 223: Clinicians Corner - From Survival to Self-Compassion: Understanding Our Protective Behaviors 45:00

2M ago45:00

45:00

In this thought-provoking Clinician’s Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab dive deep into the ever-popular term “self-sabotage” — and why they believe it’s not only inaccurate but potentially harmful in the context of food addiction recovery. Together, they explore how behaviors often labeled as self-sabotage are actually maladaptiv…

1
Episode 23: Why Can’t I Stay Abstinent—Even After a Health Scare? 20:02

2M ago20:02

20:02

In this powerful episode, we tackle a question that resonates deeply for so many in recovery: "Why can’t I stay off sugar, even after a life-threatening diagnosis?" We received a heartfelt listener question from someone who has been struggling with sugar addiction for years—even after a cancer diagnosis. This sparked a deep, honest conversation abo…

1
Episode 222: Dr. David Wiss - Food Addiction or Eating Disorder? Rethinking the Divide 53:37

2M ago53:37

53:37

In this powerful and deeply nuanced episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab welcome back Dr. David Wiss to explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in the field: the intersection of food addiction and eating disorders. With his unique background in both nutrition and public health, Dr. Wiss walks us through the historic…

1
Episode 22: When Life Feels Too Heavy - Coping When It All Piles On 20:04

2M ago20:04

20:04

In this episode: Clarissa opens up about a deeply personal and challenging season in her life—navigating grief, fear, and emotional overwhelm as unexpected hardships pile up. From her puppy's serious health concerns to her mother’s cancer recurrence, Clarissa vulnerably shares what it’s like to face wave after wave of uncertainty. The Food Shrinks …

1
Episode 221: Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis - Food Insecurity and Food Addiction 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

In this powerful episode of Food Junkies, we dive deep into the intersection of food insecurity and food addiction with special guest Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis. Dr. Parnarouskis, a researcher specializing in food addiction and public health, shares groundbreaking insights on how socioeconomic factors and access to food impact addiction-like eating b…

1
Episode 21: Self-Sabotage: What’s Really Happening? 19:59

3M ago19:59

19:59

In this thought-provoking episode of Food Shrinks, we challenge the concept of self-sabotage and explore a radical reframe—what if it’s not sabotage at all, but an attempt at protection? Join us as we unpack the deeper, more compassionate understanding of behaviors that are often mislabeled as sabotage. Together, we discuss how our brains are wired…

1
Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 25: Sharon Gregg 46:36

3M ago46:36

46:36

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Food Junkies, CJ sits down with her friend and colleague, Sharon Gregg, to explore Sharon’s deeply personal story of food addiction and recovery. From childhood dreams of streets paved with chocolate to decades of yo-yo dieting and the relentless voice of sugar calling her name, Sharon’s story is one man…

1
Episode 220: Dr. Weaver (The Link Between Ultra-Processed Food and Alzheimer’s) 47:05

3M ago47:05

47:05

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Donald Weaver, a world-renowned expert on Alzheimer’s disease, its causes, and its treatment. Dr. Weaver, a Canadian neurologist, chemist, and researcher at the University of Toronto, has made significant contributions to our understanding of cognitive diseases, particular…

1
Episode 20: Food, Cravings & Coping: Is There Always a New Addiction Waiting? 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

In today’s episode, we dive deep into a thought-provoking listener question: Will there always be something waiting in the wings to take the place of old addictive patterns? Molly C. shares a personal experience about her resolution to avoid blue light before bed—and how she noticed an urge to watch TV after a fun night out. This sparks a rich disc…

1
Episode 219: Clinicians Corner - The Importance of Belonging in Recovery 43:34

3M ago43:34

43:34

Hosts Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab explore the critical theme of belonging in recovery. They discuss the concept of "othering"—feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood—and its deep impact on individuals in their healing journeys. The episode is framed around a powerful quote from George Orwell about the loneliness of being misunderstood, s…

1
Episode 19: Feeling Othered, Vulnerability, and the Power of Connection 19:44

3M ago19:44

19:44

In this episode, Molly C, Molly P, and Clarissa dive deep into the feeling of being "othered"—that sense of not quite fitting in, even among close friends or trusted spaces. We explore: ✅ The fear of being too different—what happens when our thoughts, experiences, or intuition don’t align with those around us ✅ The connection between feeling othere…

1
Episode 218: Nick Norwitz (Part 2) Navigating Metabolism, Carnivore Diet, and Food Myths 1:08:57

3M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

In this episode, we welcome back Nick Norwitz for Part 2 of our deep dive into metabolism, food addiction, and dietary nuances. We cover everything from broken metabolisms to the role of hormones in weight regulation, the impact of glycemic load, and the ongoing debate about fruit, dairy, olive oil, and the carnivore diet. If you've ever wondered a…

1
Episode 18: Sneaking, Hiding, and the Amplified Reward Cycle of Food Addiction 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

In this episode of Food Shrinks, we’re shaking things up! With one shrink missing, we dive into how we handle scheduling conflicts as a team and the importance of open, honest conversations in problem-solving. Then, we transition into a powerful discussion about a common struggle in food addiction recovery: sneaking, hiding, and lying about food. W…

1
Episode 217: Nick Norwitz (Part 1) 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

In this compelling episode of Food Junkies, we welcome Dr. Nick Norwitz, a researcher, educator, and metabolic health advocate whose mission is to "Make Metabolic Health Mainstream." Dr. Norwitz, a valedictorian from Dartmouth, PhD in Metabolism from Oxford, and an MD candidate at Harvard Medical School, shares his journey with severe Inflammatory …

1
Episode 17: Hormones, Hunger, and Healing 20:05

3M ago20:05

20:05

In this insightful and heartfelt episode of Food Shrinks, we explore the complex relationship between hormones, perimenopause, and food addiction recovery. Inspired by listener questions, we share our journeys, client experiences, and the science behind hormonal changes—whether you're still cycling, in perimenopause, or navigating menopause. 🌿 In T…

1
Episode 216: Dr. Jon Davis 49:26

4M ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Jon Davis, a principal investigator on the study Changes in Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis is a principal scientist at Nova Nordisk, where he researches how gut-brain signaling mechanisms regulate appetite and metabolic disorders. His work exp…

1
Episode 16: Breaking Free from Social Media Addiction 19:45

4M ago19:45

19:45

In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly C. shares a significant life shift—she's entirely off social media! Coming back from a retreat, she realized how much screen time was impacting her nervous system, focus, and ability to engage with life. She opens up about the moment she knew she had to step away, the withdrawal symptoms she experienced, and h…

1
Episode 215: Clinician’s Corner - Exploring Harm Reduction in Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder 53:01

4M ago53:01

53:01

In this episode, we dive into a hot topic in the world of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Use Disorder—Harm Reduction. This concept, widely recognized in substance use recovery, has been largely undefined or misunderstood in the food addiction space. Today, we explore: What is harm reduction? How does it work in food addiction recovery? Who might benefi…

1
Episode 15: When Is It Time to Go Deeper in Recovery? 20:43

4M ago20:43

20:43

In this episode of Food Shrinks, we dive into an important question: When do we need to go deeper than recovery coaching, and when is it enough to stay at that level? 🔑Key Topics Discussed: 🔒Two Approaches to Healing – Clearing out the body and mind first vs. addressing deeper emotional work upfront. 🔒When Coaching Isn’t Enough – How to recognize w…

1
Episode 214: Dr. Kim Dennis - The Future of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder & Eating Disorder Treatment 52:56

4M ago52:56

52:56

Dr. Kim Dennis returns to the Food Junkies Podcast to discuss the evolving understanding of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD) and its intersection with clinical psychiatry, eating disorders, trauma, and harm reduction approaches. With mounting research pointing to the undeniable effects of ultra-processed foods on mental and physical health…

1
Episode 14: Conflict, Communication, and Repair in Healthy Relationships 19:22

4M ago19:22

19:22

In this episode, Molly, Clarissa, and Molly (aka The Food Shrinks) dive deep into healthy conflict resolution and how it impacts relationships, recovery, and our connection with food. Through personal stories, the hosts share their challenges and breakthroughs when it comes to communication, boundaries, and repair. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episo…

1
Episode 213: Michael Prager 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

In this compelling episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, we welcome Michael Prager, author of Fat Boy, Thin Man and Sustainable You. Michael shares his transformative journey from struggling with food addiction and obesity to becoming an accomplished author, journalist, and advocate for food addiction recognition. With over 30 years of journalistic …

1
Episode 13: Exploring Psychedelics in Recovery and Healing 24:07

4M ago24:07

24:07

In this candid and impromptu episode of The Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab dive deep into their personal experiences with psychedelics, focusing on their potential as tools for emotional and psychological healing. From ketamine-assisted therapy to psilocybin journeys, the hosts share raw insights into their transf…

1
Episode 212: Dr. Marty Lerner 51:10

5M ago51:10

51:10

Today, we are thrilled to have Dr. Marty Lerner return to the podcast. Dr. Lerner is the Executive Director of the Milestones in Recovery Eating Disorders Program and a licensed, board-certified clinical psychologist. He has been a pioneering voice in understanding the complex overlap between eating disorders, food addiction, and the emerging use o…

1
Episode 12: Decoding "Diet Culture Vultures" and Empowering Self-Determination 22:27

5M ago22:27

22:27

Today the Food Shrinks unpack what "diet culture vultures" represent in the context of diet culture and self-help programs, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and how to recognize manipulative tactics in various industries, including healthcare, food recovery, and coaching. This honest conversation also explores personal vulnerabiliti…

1
Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 24: Adele Stratton 35:14

5M ago35:14

35:14

Today, we have the honor of welcoming Adele to the podcast—a truly remarkable individual with a unique talent for exploring the contours of her inner world. Adele's gift for deep self-reflection allows her to navigate her emotions and motivations with a gentle, curious approach, inspiring creativity and uncovering possibilities that many of us migh…

1
Episode 211: Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett 40:09

5M ago40:09

40:09

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Dr. Amelia Scott Barrett, a Stanford-trained neurologist and migraine expert with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Barrett shares her professional insights and personal journey with migraines, exploring their genetic basis, root causes, and treatment options. This comprehen…

1
Episode 11: Breaking the Impulse Buy Cycle: Navigating Wellness Marketing Traps 24:28

5M ago24:28

24:28

In this thought-provoking episode of The Food Shrinks delve into the allure—and pitfalls—of wellness programs, self-help summits, and fitness courses that promise transformation but often lead to unfulfilled intentions. The trio unpacks the psychological and emotional drivers behind impulsive purchases, the cultural conditioning of "quick fixes," a…

1
Episode 210: Clinician's Corner with Clarissa and Molly - Slips, lapses, recurrences, and relapses 48:26

5M ago48:26

48:26

Episode Highlights: Happy New Year from Molly and Clarissa! 🎉 A discussion on their focus words for 2025: Flourishing (Clarissa) and Emanation (Molly). Reflections on how these guiding concepts shape their personal and professional goals for the new year. Main Topic: Slips vs. Recurrence in Recovery Clarifying terminology: Slip, lapse, recurrence, …

1
Episode 10: Facing Vultures, Shame, and Self-Abandonment 24:52

5M ago24:52

24:52

In this candid and deeply personal episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab—dive into the challenging topic of self-abandonment, appeasement, and the consequences of chasing quick fixes. From past experiences with expensive treatment programs to navigating shame and self-doubt, this episode offers valuable insig…

1
Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 23: Sarah Hood 1:06:09

5M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

In this episode, CJ sits down with Sarah Hood, a Community Nurse from England, to explore her journey into the field of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction. With over 25 years of medical experience across England, Italy, Belgium, Kuwait, and Dubai, Sarah has witnessed countless patients struggling with food-related behaviors while also battling her own …

1
Episode 209: Dr. Gurpreet Singh Padda, MD (Part 2) 51:30

5M ago51:30

51:30

Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, Dr. Padda explains how understanding and addressing meta-inflammation can unlock new pathways for treatment and recovery. Dr. Padda is a board-certified expert in anesthesiology, interventional pain, addiction, obesity, chronic pain, and metabolic health. His comprehensive knowledge bridges cutting-edge sc…

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Episode 9: You're Not the Problem, You're the Solution. 24:28

5M ago24:28

24:28

In this episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly C., Molly P., and Clarissa—gear up to combat the "diet culture vultures" that descend during the New Year season. They discuss empowering listeners to reclaim their role as the solution to their challenges rather than falling victim to shame-based marketing tactics. This conversation is packed with insights i…

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Clarissa Kennedy Podcasts

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