The Happy Eating Podcast - podcast cover

The Happy Eating Podcast

Carolyn Williams PhD, RD & Brierley Horton, MS, RDhappyeatingpodcast.podbean.com
Is it possible to eat your way to a better mood? Can foods really impact how the brain makes you think and feel? The “Happy Eating Podcast” was created after we couldn’t find the information that we needed for ourselves and our families. Join us as we break down the connection between food and mental wellness as we explore how food, diet, supplements, and daily habits can make for truly Happy Eating.
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Episodes

Rant Therapy - We Need to Talk About…Gen Z and AirPods

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Oct 01, 20245 minEp. 269

Do You Need a Dopamine Detox?

Do you open up social media or scroll the news headlines as soon as you wake up? Has scrolling on your phone made you late for an appointment or meeting? If so, you might need a dopamine detox! In today’s episode we’re exploring what dopamine is, why it’s important, when too much is a bad thing, and whether or not a dopamine detox is a legit thing worth trying. Fullscript Link to Recommended Supplements Get links to our recommendations plus 20% your entire supplement order through Happy Eating d...

Sep 26, 202426 minSeason 5Ep. 268

Rant Therapy - We Need To Talk About Football Watching Habits

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Sep 24, 20246 minEp. 267

Are Politics Making You Rethink Friendships? Here’s How to Stay Friends

Research tells us that politics—and thinking about political events—can be harmful to our mental wellness. So how do we get through this current political season of life? And how do we navigate friendships when we don’t align politically? In today’s episode, friendship expert, fellow podcaster and book author, Danielle Jackson advises us on what to do—and what not to do. Learn More About Our Guest Danielle Bayard Jackson is a female friendship coach and educator who speaks nationally about the s...

Sep 12, 202432 minSeason 5Ep. 266

Rant Therapy - We Need To Talk About Mustaches

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Sep 10, 20244 minEp. 265

10 Signs You Need Better Boundaries

Do you find it hard to say no? Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? If so, you will absolutely benefit from this episode! Today we’re talking about signs that you need better boundaries. What exactly do healthy boundaries look like? And how do you start creating healthier boundaries? We’ve got a few tips and tricks. Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tune in weekly on Thursdays for new episodes! For even more Happy Eating, head to our website! https://www.happyea...

Sep 05, 202427 minSeason 5Ep. 263

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mood and Mental Wellness

You might think that connection between your diet and your mental wellness is all about how food impacts the brain. But that’s only a small part of it. Turns out, what’s more important is how that food impacts your gut. Your gut and brain are more connected than you think and there’s a lot of truth to that “gut” feeling. This week we’re diving into the gut-brain connection. What should you eat, or not eat? Should you take probiotics? We’re exploring all of this and more. SHOW NOTES: Klaire Labs ...

Aug 30, 202445 minSeason 5Ep. 264

Rant Therapy - We Need To Talk About All Gender Bathrooms

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Aug 27, 20247 minEp. 262

Turmeric: Should You Be Taking It?

Maybe you’ve cooked with turmeric or tried a golden milk latte, but have you considered a turmeric supplement? You might want to after listening to this episode. Today we’re talking about the health benefits of turmeric—from joint pain relief to mental wellness to heart health—how much you should take and how to shop for a turmeric supplement so you get one that’s actually effective. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8572027/ https://www.eatingwell.com/best-turmeric-supplements-860220...

Aug 22, 202424 minSeason 5Ep. 261

Rant Therapy - We Need To Talk About...

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Aug 20, 20246 minEp. 260

Top Nutrition Headlines - August 2024 Edition

This listener favorite has become one of our favorites! In today’s episode, we are sharing three new nutrition studies. Does Ozempic prevent dementia? Why are Gen Zers and Millennials at higher risk for certain cancers than their parents and grandparents? And what antidepressant causes the least weight gain? 12-month neurological and psychiatric outcomes of semaglutide use for type 2 diabetes: a propensity-score matched cohort study Differences in cancer rates among adults born between 1920 and ...

Aug 15, 202420 minSeason 5Ep. 258

I’m So Over Back To School (Part 2)

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Aug 13, 20249 minEp. 259

5 Instant Tricks to Boost Brain Power

Welcome to season 5 of the Happy Eating Podcast! We’re so excited for what’s to come this season. But first, we’re kicking it off with something we could really use right now—and we’re guessing you might too: 5 instant tricks to boost your brain function, energy, and focus. And frankly when we tell you what they are you’re going to wonder why you haven’t been doing them already. References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33417262/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9224521/ https://ww...

Aug 08, 202425 minSeason 5Ep. 257

Rant Therapy - I'm So Over Back To School - Part 1

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Aug 06, 20248 minEp. 256

7 Supplements That Lower Cortisol

Who couldn’t use less stress in their life? Well, a great place to start is with cortisol—the stress hormone that simmers in the background and, over time, hinders your overall health. Our episode on quick ways to lower cortisol almost instantly has been our most downloaded episode ever since 2022. So this week we’re bringing you 7 supplements to help you lower cortisol. Because sometimes taking a pill is just easier. As always with our podcast, each one is science-backed. Fullscript Link to Rec...

Aug 02, 202441 minSeason 4Ep. 255

Rant Therapy - I’m So Over Tipping People!

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jul 31, 20245 minEp. 254

7 Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety

What is high-functioning anxiety? And how do you know if you have it? That’s the topic of today’s episode. And spoiler alert: turns out you’ll be hearing it from two women who seem to have high-functioning anxiety. Looking for high-quality dietary supplements? Need recommendations for what to take? Check out the Happy Eating dispensary at Fullscript to see our dietary supplement recommendations and get 20% off every order. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/happyeating Thank you for listening to ...

Jul 25, 202428 minSeason 4Ep. 253

Rant Therapy - I'm So Over Summer!

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jul 23, 20246 minEp. 252

8 Easy Anti-Inflammatory Tips That You Can Start Today

Unless you live under a rock, surely you’ve heard about inflammation. It’s a hot topic for good reason: inflammation can stoke the fire that fuels conditions like diabetes, heart disease, dementia, autoimmune disease, even joint pain. And, of course, mental health conditions such as depression. But reigning in inflammation is simpler than you might think. In this episode we share 8 simple tips that can begin to lower inflammation overnight. Thank you for listening to The Happy Eating Podcast. Tu...

Jul 18, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 251

Rant Therapy - I'm So Over POV Posts!

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jul 16, 20243 minEp. 250

5 Ways Summer’s Hot Temps Affect Your Mental Health

Do you ever feel a little more on edge when the temperature outside nears a record high? Maybe your fuse is a little shorter and you’re quick to lose your cool? Turns out, you’re not alone, and the good news is it’s pretty typical. High summer temperatures impact how your brain operates. In today’s episode, we look at the science behind hot summer temperatures and why you may be feeling you’re having more mood swings than normal. So, go ahead, crank up that AC and listen in! Studies Mentioned in...

Jul 11, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 248

Rant Therapy - Carolyn Goes To Olive Garden!

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jul 10, 20247 minEp. 249

7 Ways to Lower Cortisol (Almost) Instantly

You may know cortisol as the stress hormone that increases belly fat. Well, it is that. But cortisol plays a role in a lot of other systems in your body—so when this stress hormone is chronically elevated it can do some serious damage. And interestingly, elevated cortisol is a marker for depression and other mental health conditions. In today’s episode, we explain how cortisol impacts your mental health, and then share 7 easy, yet science-backed ways to lower cortisol almost instantly. Show Note...

Jul 05, 202439 minSeason 4Ep. 247

Rant Therapy - I'm So Over Stanley Cups!

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jul 02, 20245 minEp. 246

Can Lack of Sex Cause Mental Health Issues?

You might have seen headlines, or even read articles that tout the immunity-boosting benefits of sex. Well, it turns out the benefits don’t stop there, particularly when it comes to your mental health. Yet, sadly our sexual activity is lower today than it has been in previous generations, which made us ask “could a lack of sex put your mental health at risk?” In this week’s episode, we’re answering that question and sharing how much sex you should be having for your mental health. Let’s dive in!...

Jun 27, 202424 minSeason 4Ep. 245

4 Signs You Need More Protein

Statistically speaking, most Americans are meeting their basic protein recommendations. But these recommendations are just the amount to keep your body functioning. You really need more to support your active lifestyle, promote a healthy immune system and brain function, and to prevent muscle loss that naturally occurs as you age. Adding a little more to your day can also curb hunger and fend off carb cravings. In today’s episode, we’re talking about some sneaky signs that suggest you may need m...

Jun 21, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 244

Rant Therapy - I'm So Over My Dryer Singing To Me

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jun 18, 20245 minEp. 243

8 Surprising Medications That Hurt Your Sex Drive

Research suggests that medications—over the counter and prescription—play a role in one of every four cases of sexual dysfunction. And that 25 percent is a figure that experts think is underestimated. So which medications are common offenders? In today’s episode we’re highlighting eight drugs that will hurt your sex drive—and we’re betting that almost all of them will surprise you. We’re also betting that you either take one currently or have taken one in the past year. Thank you for listening t...

Jun 14, 202434 minSeason 4Ep. 242

Rant Therapy - PSA: Dating With Older Kids

The best (and cheapest) therapy for those small things that get under your skin is sometimes a good venting session so you can get it off your chest and move on with your life! And if you’re not privy to the first-hand vent-a-thon, then being a fly on the wall listening is hopefully equally therapeutic and also maybe entertaining. Welcome to Rant Therapy, a podcast short powered by the hosts of the Happy Eating podcast, Brierley Horton and Carolyn Williams, where we periodically share our real-l...

Jun 11, 20246 minEp. 241

Top Nutrition Headline - June 2024 Edition

We’re bringing back a listener favorite! In today’s episode, we are sharing three new nutrition studies. What nutrients may actually slow the rate that the brain ages? Can exercise rewire your brain so that it’s easier to forget traumatic memories? You’ll be surprised! And lastly, can taking a small dose of apple cider vinegar result in weight loss - even if you make no other change to your diet? Let’s dive in! References to studies mentioned in this episode: Investigating nutrient biomarkers of...

Jun 06, 202421 minSeason 4Ep. 240
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