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 ...
Jun 27, 2025•51 min•Ep. 196
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...
Jun 13, 2025•55 min•Ep. 195
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 br...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 194
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 a...
May 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 193
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 be...
May 02, 2025•43 min•Ep. 192
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. Mathe...
Apr 22, 2025•47 min•Ep. 191
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...
Apr 03, 2025•49 min•Ep. 190
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 n...
Mar 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 189
Yes, even busy families can go plant-based! 🌱✨ Think you’re too busy to eat plant-based? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill and Chelsea Dye to talk about making plant-based living simple, fun, and doable for busy families. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just looking to eat more plants, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-life strategies to help you succeed! Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill, MD, FAAP, DipABLM is a Pediatrician & Lifesty...
Mar 06, 2025•51 min•Ep. 188
Did you know that gut health plays a major role in your overall well-being, from your immune system to brain function? Many health issues stem from an unhealthy gut, yet this crucial connection is often overlooked. In this episode, we dive deep into gut health with Dr. Christine Bishara, an integrative Gastroenterologist doctor specializing in healing from within by optimizing gut health. She’s a pioneer in gut research and even published the first peer-reviewed study linking COVID severity to g...
Feb 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 187
Welcome to Part 2 of Staying Active as You Age! In this episode, wellness expert Angela Fischetti @boomerandbeyondwellness takes us through a series of workout demos for seniors. Angela's expert-led exercises will help you maintain strength, mobility, and flexibility as you age so that you can stay active and independent for longer. Whether new to working out or just looking to improve your routine, these gentle yet effective exercises are perfect for aging bodies. Angela combines strength train...
Jan 28, 2025•19 min•Ep. 186
Did you know that after age 30, we start losing muscle mass every year? But here’s the good news—you can do something about it! Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your strength, energy, and independence as you age. In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Fischetti, a wellness expert who’s passionate about helping seniors stay fit, mobile, and full of life. Angela Fischetti is a virtual physical fitness and yoga instructor and on-site licensed massage therapist specializing in wellness ...
Jan 13, 2025•58 min•Ep. 185
What if the key to transforming your health was not in a prescription, but in the food you eat? In this powerful episode, Dr. Melanie Cano, a Panamanian physician and expert in plant-based nutrition, reveals how embracing a plant-powered lifestyle can be a game changer for your health. Dr. Melanie shares her experience growing up in Panama and how the country views health and wellness. She talks about her medical training and how it lacked a focus on plant-based nutrition, which inspired her to ...
Dec 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 184
Sure, there’s no magic food that’ll instantly help with weight loss, but did you know certain foods can make a real difference when added to a more balanced diet? What if some simple changes could help you reach your goals faster? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, a true leader in plant-based nutrition and preventive medicine. Dr. Barnard is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at George Washington University and President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medici...
Nov 26, 2024•39 min•Ep. 183
Can fasting really save your life? Could it be the key to healing chronic illnesses, and restoring optimal health? But, how does water-only fasting work, and is it right for you? These are just a few of the questions we’ll explore in this episode. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alan Goldhamer, a world-renowned expert on medically supervised water-only fasting, to discuss the power of fasting and its potential to transform lives. We also dive into his latest book, “Can Fasting Save Your Lif...
Nov 15, 2024•51 min•Ep. 182
Have you ever struggled with losing weight and keeping it off? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, only to see the weight come back again? What if the answer wasn’t just about dieting, but about making a lasting lifestyle change? In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the powerful story of Chuck Carroll, also known as “The Weight Loss Champion,” who lost an astonishing 280 pounds and transformed his life. Widely known as “The Weight Loss Champion,” Chuck once weighed 420 lbs at just ...
Nov 04, 2024•49 min•Ep. 181
Ever wondered if going plant-based could fuel an Olympic dream? In this episode, I sit down with Olympic silver medalist cyclist 🚴♀️ and Executive Director and Founder of @Switch4Good , Dotsie Bausch, to uncover how she defied the odds by embracing a plant-based diet. Dotsie Bausch lives by the Switch4Good motto—Live better. Do more. Dairy-free—and is on a mission to educate and empower others to do the same. She speaks passionately around the world to spread her message about the positive imp...
Sep 26, 2024•57 min•Ep. 180
What’s next for the Farm Bill, and how could it change how we think about food and farming? In Part 2 of our conversation with Christina Badaracco, MPH, RDN, LDN, we delve deeper into the recent changes made in the Farm Bill and what they mean for the future. Christina discusses the potential expiration of current programs and the possible introduction of new laws that could significantly impact our food system. Beyond policy, Christina shares valuable lessons from the Farm Bill on how we can be...
Sep 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 179
Curious about how the Farm Bill affects what's on your plate and your health? Ever wondered why it’s so challenging to understand or how it impacts our food system? In this episode, we dive into these questions and more with a very special guest of mine. Christina Badaracco, MPH, RDN, LDN, is a healthcare consultant dedicated to advancing nutrition in healthcare and sustainable food production. With a rich consulting, writing, and teaching background, Christina has published The Farm Bill: A Cit...
Aug 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 178
Have you ever wondered how to make your meals both tasty and nutritious? What if you could easily add more fiber to your diet? Join us for the second part of our interview with Dr. Daniel Chen, who dives into the taste of nutritional yeast, the ideal texture for plant-based meals, and how much fiber we should consume daily. Dr. Chen also shares whether nutritional yeast can be eaten on its own, the best way to reach out to him, and even does a food demo for his delicious Smokey Tofu Mayo Dressin...
Aug 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 177
Have you ever wondered how a heart attack can change the way you think about food? What if surviving a life-threatening event leads to a whole new approach to nutrition? Discover the answers to these questions with Dr. Daniel Chen, whose journey from patient to health advocate is inspiring and educational. Dr. Daniel Chen is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He practices at Esperanza Health Center in North Philadelphia, providing primary care in both Spanish and Englis...
Aug 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 176
Although fasting has been used for thousands of years for various reasons, it has recently become a hot topic in medicine. But, is water fasting just a fad, or is it a proven method for healing? Join me for a lively discussion with Dr. Csilla Veress on the transformative effects of water fasting, the myths surrounding it, and what you need to know to improve your health with Dr. Csilla. Dr. Csilla Veress is a primary care doctor at TrueNorth Health Center, in Santa Rosa, CA. The focus of her pra...
Jun 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 175
Join us for an engaging episode as we talk about Rethinking Bone Broth with Sally Malanga. Sally is a passionate advocate for health and wellness, an entrepreneur, and the creator of organic plant-based beauty and wellness products. Sally's mission goes beyond improving health and saving animals; she is dedicated to healing the planet. Her products are crafted with natural, plant-based ingredients, driven by her belief in the power of nature to nourish and heal. In this episode, we delve into th...
May 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 174
Food affects everything, including fertility. From hormonal balance to reproductive health, the nutrients we consume play a crucial role in our ability to conceive. What specific nutrients are essential for supporting fertility? How does our diet influence hormonal balance and fertility outcomes? Join us in this empowering episode as we explore the authentic connection between what we eat and our fertility journey. In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Angela Thyer, a renowned ...
May 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 173
Have you ever wondered how to bounce back from burnout and rediscover your sense of fulfillment? In this insightful conversation, Carrie Severson shares her journey of recovering from burnout by embracing stillness and the "Enoughness" method. She delves into her personal story, highlighting the emotional roller coaster ride and the valuable lessons she gained along the way. Carrie emphasizes the importance of resilience and recounts the pivotal moment that compelled her to take a much-needed br...
Apr 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 172
Changing the face of traditional dentistry begins with understanding the crucial role of oral health in your overall well-being. Today, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Sanda Moldovan (@Drsandamoldovan), an award-winning, board-certified periodontist, licensed nutritionist, and founder of Orasana, to our podcast. Dr. Sanda brings knowledge and expertise to biological dentistry and emphasizes the importance of good nutrition, natural supplements, and dental health tips in preventing chronic disea...
Apr 08, 2024•44 min•Ep. 171
Are you prepared to embark on a transformative journey toward holistic health and wellness? Join us as we delve deep into the realm of skincare and overall well-being with our esteemed guest, Dr. Marjon Vatanchi. Dr. Marjon is not only a distinguished dermatologist but also an expert in Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Pediatric Dermatology, and Clinical Trials & Research. To commence this enlightening episode, let's pose an opening question: "What motivated you to pursue a career in ...
Mar 25, 2024•56 min•Ep. 170
Join us for an engaging conversation with Arti Mala, the mastermind behind First Seed Foods. In this episode, Arti opens up about her journey to founding and growing her innovative plant-based, oil-free Indian food delivery service. Get ready to dive deep into the world of healthy eating trends, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the delicious offerings of First Seed Foods! Arti Mala is the founder of First Seed Foods, a company that makes vegan, oil-free food and ships it frozen nationwide...
Mar 11, 2024•42 min•Ep. 169
In light of the escalating threat of climate change, urgent action is paramount. But how do we not only address this pressing issue but do so with climate justice? How can we confront climate solutions head-on, ensuring equitable outcomes for all? And what simple yet impactful steps can each of us take to contribute positively to the cause? Join me in this episode as I delve into these critical questions with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, a distinguished climate behavioral scientist and CEO of 'We Don'...
Feb 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 168
How does culinary and lifestyle medicine reshape healthcare? Join us as we explore "The Future of Culinary & Lifestyle Change" with Olivia Thomas! In this episode, Olivia shares her journey as an RD, her passion for integrating more plants into lifestyles, and the challenges in nutrition and lifestyle that led to her innovative solutions. Olivia Weinstein, MS, RDN, LD, is the Nutrition Innovation and Implementation Director at Boston Medical Center (BMC), leading a dynamic teaching kitchen p...
Feb 13, 2024•44 min•Ep. 167
