The Health Feast

What if the biggest barrier to healing isn't your body — but the belief that you have to fix everything alone?Want more from The Health Feast? Sign up for my free 5-day email series and learn how to make health habits stick with ease in your life. Visit rakyourlife.com to get started.Nearly half of middle-aged men say they feel lonely. One in five admit to having zero close friends.A couple years ago, I was one of those men. When my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, I realized I had almost no close friends nearby. That's when I found F3 — a completely free men's movement that changed my life.Today I'm sitting down with Frank Schwartz (Dark Helmet), CEO of F3 Nation. He went from over 250 pounds and what he calls "curating the museum of himself" to now leading a movement that's reached over 100,000 men worldwide.In this episode we explore:Why the "lone wolf" mindset is destroying men's healthThe three Fs of F3: fitness, fellowship, and faith (and why the order matters)How naming, ritual, and identity create deeper transformationWhy leadership can be lonely — even in a movement fighting lonelinessWhat Frank would tell a man who feels completely stuck right nowThe completely free resource any man can access this weekWhether you're a man feeling this isolation yourself or you have someone in your life who is — this conversation will show you what's really going on and what's actually possible.Live well and RAK ON,– Dr. Rak 👊🏽Timestamps00:00 Dr. Rak's intro: The loneliness epidemic in middle-aged men02:43 Why men are struggling with isolation and the "lone wolf" mentality05:50 How society pushes individualism too far08:56 What is F3 and where did it come from?10:59 The three Fs: fitness, fellowship, and faith13:33 Why men connect "shoulder to shoulder" vs face to face17:12 The accountability factor and outsourcing responsibility18:51 Dr. Rak's personal F3 discovery story21:36 The raw vulnerability that emerges after physical exhaustion25:16 The power of naming, ritual, and tribal identity28:59 How nicknames represent a new chapter of life32:03 Frank's transformation: from "curating the museum" to authentic leadership36:20 The completion vs creation phases of a man's life42:45 Why leadership can be profoundly lonely48:52 Maintaining mental health as a leader53:12 The intentionality behind F3's common language58:44 Frank's advice to men who feel stuck: "Just stand up"1:05:52 Overcoming the mental barriers to getting started1:09:05 Frank's mindset tip: continuous improvement with no arrival point1:10:49 How Frank makes his own life a health feastDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

If you’ve been paying attention to all the things: the chronic disease epidemic, a food system full of processed food, a planet that is genuinely struggling, then you feel it. The scale of it. The weight of it.And then comes the question that stops so many of us cold.Does anything I do actually matter?My guest today, Dr. Scott Stoll, has spent more than 20 years answering that question. He’s a former Olympic athlete turned physician who built the largest annual gathering of plant-based healthcare professionals in the world, bringing together thousands of clinicians and changemakers from across the globe. And he is one of the most gifted storytellers I’ve come across in this space — the kind of person who can make you feel something and think something at the same time.Does anything I do actually matter? After this episode, you’ll agree the answer a resounding yes. Live well and RAK ON,Dr. Rak 👊🏽⏱️ Episode TimestampsTimestamps0:00 – Dr. Rak's intro3:37 – What feels most urgent right now?6:07 – The plate as a convergence point7:37 – Why health became a personal responsibility9:49 – Why food is such a powerful entry point for change12:51 – Community as the multiplier15:56 – When Scott started seeing the plate as more than nutrition20:55 – Why a new kind of gathering is needed — the Power of the Plate24:40 – The origin of the Plantrician Conference (2013)30:01 – Living with urgency without burning out33:08 – How people actually make change — the power of story36:27 – The patient in the borrowed camper40:45 – The conference as a recharge47:44 – Healthcare as illness care, not health care50:43 – Health as a more wonderful life51:07 – Mindset tip: Maya Angelou and grace for the past53:26 – How Scott makes his own life a health feast55:52 – On storytelling and oration58:14 – How to find and register for the Power of the Plate ConferenceAbout Dr. Scott StollDr. Scott Stoll is a board-certified physician specializing in sports and regenerative medicine and an internationally recognized leader in lifestyle medicine and whole food plant-based nutrition. Before medical school, he was a member of the 1994 U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team at the Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway.He co-founded the Power of the Plate Conference and the previous International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference, which has grown into a global community of clinicians and changemakers. He has hosted week-long Total Health Immersions for over 16 years, helping hundreds of patients recover lost health, reverse chronic disease, and restore their quality of life.Connect with Dr. Scott StollWebsite: drscottstoll.comInstagram: @drscottstollofficialThe Plantrician Project: plantricianproject.orgPower of the Plate Conference — May 14–17, San Diego: poweroftheplate.orgDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes.

What if the reason you’re still inflamed… isn’t what you think?Hey Health Feasters —You’re bloated.Foggy.Tired.You’ve cut foods.Added supplements.Tried protocols.Some things improve.But you still don’t feel right.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, or Dr. B, a board-certified gastroenterologist, microbiome expert, and New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled as well as his new book Plant Powered Plus. Dr. B and I unpack what might actually be going on.Because sometimes the issue isn’t effort.It’s the diagnosis.In this conversation, Dr. B breaks down three big ideas:1. Misdiagnosis is common. The most frequent cause of bloating is constipation, even when you “go every day.” Getting the diagnosis right matters more than trying another protocol.2. Inflammation isn’t the enemy. Chronic activation is. Seventy percent of your immune system lives in your gut. When the gut barrier breaks down, the immune system stays switched on. That’s very different from the short-term inflammation that helps you heal.3. Gut health is bigger than food. Sleep, circadian rhythm, stress, trauma, loneliness, and human connection all shape the microbiome. You can’t out-supplement a nervous system that never downshifts.This conversation reframes gut health in a powerful way.It’s not just about what you eliminate.It’s about what you restore.So if you’ve been trying hard and still feel off, this episode offers a clearer lens for understanding what’s happening, and where to focus next.Live well and RAK ON,– Dr. Rak 🌿 Want to Put This Into Practice? For $11/month (or $99/year), you can join our membership community where we practice this work together LIVE. Click here to sign up and learn more.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 Dr. Rak’s intro03:05 – The first step: Get the diagnosis right05:29 – You might be constipated and not know it16:37 – Acute vs. chronic inflammation explained20:18 – The gut barrier, leaky gut, and 70% of your immune system24:35 – Gut health is more than food30:00 – Sleep, circadian rhythm, and morning cortisol36:55 – Why inflammation may tie your whole health history together41:26 – Empowerment, personalization, and why he wrote Plant Powered Plus48:13 – The “free” health tools: sleep, light, movement50:53 – Organic vs. conventional and the microbiome58:35 – Stress, safety, and the nervous system1:07:47 – Loneliness, purpose, and gut diversity|1:14:15 – Practical steps: nutrition, rhythm, brain–gut connection1:19:21 – Dr. B’s morning routine1:21:24 – The best things in life are freeDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

Hey Health Feasters —Have you ever been told your labs are “normal”… and still felt uneasy?Maybe your cholesterol is “a little high.”Your blood pressure is “borderline.”Your doctor says, “Let’s just keep an eye on it.”And at the same time, your social feed is full of people saying cholesterol doesn’t matter.Statins are poison.Carnivore fixes everything.This supplement will solve all your problems. It’s no wonder people feel confused.We’re surrounded by strong opinions and half-truths. And when it comes to heart disease — the number one killer in this country — that confusion carries real consequences.This week on The Health Feast, I sat down with Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health in Denver and former chair of the American College of Cardiology’s Nutrition and Lifestyle Work Group.He’s not just reacting to internet trends. He helped shape the actual guidelines.In this conversation, we talk about:- What actually causes heart disease- What heart disease “reversal” really means (and what it doesn’t)- Whether statins are always necessary- Why lifestyle medicine works and why and when Western medicine still has an important role- And how to lower your risk without falling for fadsDr. Freeman is thoughtful, evidence-driven, and refreshingly human and I know you’re going to love this conversation. So, if you’ve felt stuck between fear-based medicine and internet hype…If you want clarity instead of confusion…If you care about prevention instead of regret…this episode is for you.--------------------------🌱 Join the RAK ON TribeFor $11/month (or $99/year), you can join our membership community where we practice this work together. The RAK ON Tribe membership includes:- Live breathwork with Yang- Group strength training with Coach Alexander- Cook-alongs and monthly Q&A with me, Dr. Rak- A growing library of replays, resources, and recipes- A supportive, encouraging communityWe’re currently at 28 members, and once we reach 50, the membership price will increase. If you join now, you’ll be locked in at the founding rate of $11/month or $99/year. As the Tribe grows, so will the live events, guest sessions, and resources inside. Early members grow with us — and help shape what this becomes.If you’re looking for ongoing support, not just inspiration, this is where we build it.find out more at www.rakyourlife.com/rakon⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 Dr. Rak’s intro03:08 The Role of Lifestyle in Heart Health05:57 The Impact of Nutrition on Cardiology08:50 Reversing Heart Disease: Is It Possible?12:10 The Importance of Tailored Medical Advice15:02 Cultural Influences on Dietary Choices17:52 Creating Delicious and Healthy Alternatives20:47 The Power of Motivation in Lifestyle Changes24:06 The Nuances of Heart Disease Reversal26:58 The Allure of Supplements vs. Lifestyle Changes29:46 The Quick Benefits of Lifestyle Changes33:07 Finding the Right Medical Support36:03 The Challenge of Patient Resistance38:55 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Lifestyle Medicine41:49 Key Takeaways for Heart HealthDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

Is getting healthier burning you out?Hey Health Feasters —Ever feel like you’re doing everything for your health… and it’s still not working?You’re meal prepping. Following a complicated workout split. Tracking macros. Taking supplements. Watching reels about cold plunges, red light therapy, and blood sugar spikes.And somehow… you’re exhausted. Burned out. Not even sure what’s working anymore.This week on The Health Feast, I’m back with Nick Smoot— my coach, a writer, and one of the clearest thinkers I know when it comes to keeping health simple.We explore why so many of us fall into the trap of over-optimizing — chasing hacks, piling on complexity, and never sticking with anything long enough to see results.Nick unpacks the power of doing fewer things better, and why most people need to standardize before they optimize — in their workouts, their nutrition, and their habits.So, if you’re tired of starting over, this conversation will help you clear the noise and get back to what actually works.Live well and RAK ON,– Dr. Rak 👊🏽Follow Nick Smoot:Instagram: @smoot_fitSubstack Newsletter: smootfit.substack.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/smootfit🌱 Join the RAK ON TribeIf you’re looking for ongoing support — not just inspiration — the RAK ON Tribe is where we practice this work together.Membership includes:Monthly live breathwork with YangGroup strength training with Coach AlexanderCook-alongs and live events with Dr. RakA growing library of replays, resources, and recipesA supportive, encouraging community$11/month or $99/yearFirst month free with code RAKONLearn more and join the RAK ON TribeTimestamps00:00 – Why health feels harder than it should01:53 – The trap of overcomplicating your routine06:24 – “Standardize before you optimize”12:18 – Info overload and decision fatigue16:49 – Nick’s own simplicity breakthrough21:07 – Signs you’re making it too complex25:44 – What sustainable health actually looks like31:12 – Letting go of shame and keeping it simpleDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

Why does getting healthier feel harder than it should?With the new year upon us, a lot of us are thinking more seriously about our health goals.We’re paying attention. We’re putting in effort. And it’s frustrating when that effort doesn’t seem to translate into results.That frustration doesn’t just show up in January.It shows up anytime you decide your health matters.This week on The Health Feast, Po and I are joined by Dr. Regina Ragasa, a physician who works with patients every day who are doing “the right things” and still feeling stuck.Dr. Ragasa is triple board–certified in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine, and she helps patients achieve sustainable, compassionate weight loss by addressing root causes rather than quick fixes.In this episode, we explore:- Why so many well-intentioned health efforts stall, even when you’re working very hard to do everything right- What often gets missed beneath the surface when progress feels slower than expected- How small, meaningful shifts can completely change the trajectory of your health- Why protein quality matters more than most people realize- Why compassion is a practical ingredient for change that actually lastsIf you’ve ever felt like you’re trying hard and still wondering what’s not clicking…If you’ve blamed yourself when things didn’t move the way you expected…This episode offers a steadier, more honest way forward.So if you’re putting in the effort and wondering what you might be missing, you’re in the right place.Live well and RAK ON,– Dr. Rak 👊🏽=======About Regina Ragasa, DO, DAOBM, DipABLMDr. Regina Ragasa is a physician triple boarded in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine who helps patients achieve sustainable weight loss and better overall health. Her work focuses on people who are genuinely trying to get healthier, often doing many of the “right things,” and still feeling stuck.She blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with practical, real-world care, emphasizing food quality, sustainable habits, and compassion rather than restriction or shame. Dr. Ragasa is especially known for helping patients rethink protein, navigate a challenging food environment, and make changes that actually fit into busy lives.Her approach blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with practical clinical care, focusing on food quality, sustainable habits, and compassion rather than restriction or shame. Dr. Ragasa is especially known for helping people rethink protein, navigate a challenging food environment, and make changes that actually fit into busy, modern lives.In her work and teaching, she emphasizes that the problem is rarely a lack of effort or willpower, it’s often the system, the messaging, and the way we’ve been taught to define “healthy.” Her goal is to help people move forward with clarity, confidence, and tools that support lasting change.=======🔗 Links + Resources• 📸 Instagram: CaliWellnessDocTimestamps00:00 – Why Does Getting Healthier Feel So Hard?01:18 – “I’m Eating Clean… Why Am I Still Stuck?”04:31 – The Protein Mistake Almost Everyone Makes08:59 – The Patient Case That Changed Everything15:29 – Why “Just Try Harder” Doesn’t Work24:32 – You’re Not Broken — The Food System Is31:12 – Are Medications a Shortcut or a Tool?41:10 – Why Self-Compassion Is the Missing Skill50:59 – Health Is a Practice, Not a Finish Line

What if the way you’ve been told to get fit… is exactly what’s holding you back?If you’re over 40 and still not where you want to be with your fitness or health, it might not be about willpower. It might be the method.This week on The Health Feast, I’m joined by Maxime Sigouin — founder of FitVegan Coaching — to unpack why so many traditional fitness plans fail us… and what actually works instead.Maxime has helped hundreds of people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond reclaim their health, reverse chronic conditions, and build sustainable strength — without chasing aesthetics or burning out.In this episode, we get into:Why most fitness advice sets people up to failHow to rebuild trust in your body after years of dieting or injuryWhat mindset and habits actually sustain long-term changeWhy slowing down — even unplugging — can be a power moveMaxime also shares what he believes is the single most important investment you can make in your health after 40: strength training. Not just for looks — but for confidence, function, and long-term vitality.Since we recorded, Maxime announced the release of his new book, Forever Fit — which is available for preorder now here.If you’ve ever felt like the quick fixes aren’t working anymore… this episode offers something deeper.Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽About Maxime SigouinMaxime Sigouin is the founder of FitVegan Coaching, a fitness and lifestyle program for men and women over 40 who want to get leaner, stronger, and healthier without extreme diets or burnout. A former bodybuilder turned holistic coach, Maxime helps people shift from chasing short-term results to building a long-term lifestyle — rooted in clarity, simplicity, and self-respect.He’s also the author of the upcoming book Forever Fit, available now for preorder.⸻🔗 Links + Resources• 📘 Forever Fit – Preorder the Book• 💪 FitVegan Coaching• 📸 Instagram: @maximesigouin_• 🎙 Maxime’s Podcast=============================Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

What if the reason you can’t stop thinking about food… has nothing to do with willpower?For so many of us, food isn’t just fuel — it’s noise. It’s the constant hum in the back of the mind: What should I eat? What shouldn’t I eat? Why did I eat that? Why can’t I stop thinking about food?It’s exhausting.And it’s far more common than most people realize.In this week’s episode, Po and I sit down for a raw, honest conversation about food noise — why it happens, how stress and strong emotions make it louder, why our modern food environment works against us, and what it actually takes to quiet the mental chatter around eating.We talk about cravings, comfort, GLP-1 medications, rumination, and the emotional patterns so many of us carry: the guilt, the judgment, the feeling that we “should” be doing better. And we explore the deeper truth — that food noise isn’t a personal failure. It’s a signal. And when we learn how to listen to it with curiosity rather than criticism, everything begins to shift.In this episode, we explore:What “food noise” really is — and why it’s so overwhelmingHow stress, emotions, and our environment shape cravingsWhy GLP-1 medications quiet food noise (and why that matters)How food noise steals your bandwidth and self-trustWhy restriction often makes food noise louderPractical ways to create space, awareness, and calm around foodHow mindfulness, fasting, and silence can retrain your brainThis conversation is vulnerable, honest, and filled with the kinds of insights Po and I have learned firsthand — for me, as a clinician, and for both of us, as humans navigating our own relationships with food.If you’ve ever felt like food takes up too much mental space… if you’ve blamed yourself for your cravings… or if you’re looking for a more compassionate, sustainable way to relate to eating — this episode is absolutely for you.Live well and RAK ON,– Dr. Rak 👊🏽 👊🏽 Want more? More strength. More flavor. More awareness. More community.If that’s you, you can join the RAK ON Tribe and get access to:All Strong for Life classesAll Live Mindful Meals with Dr. Rak cook-alongsMonthly Breathwork with YangComing soon: Monthly Q&A with Dr. Rak. Get your health questions answered.Event replays, recipes, meditationsA supportive, plant-forward communityA private space that makes health feel like a feast, not a fight🍽️ Membership is $11/month or $99/year 🎁 First month free with code RAKON 👉 Learn more and join the RAK ON Tribe

What if the biggest barrier to healing… is the belief that you’re broken?So many of us are doing everything right — eating better, moving more, trying to fix our health — but deep down, we’re carrying a quiet belief that we’re not enough. That our body is the problem. That healing has to come through restriction, guilt, or perfection.But what if real change begins not with feeling shame — but love?In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ocean Robbins, CEO of the Food Revolution Network, for a deep, honest conversation about what it means to root health in compassion — not shame.Ocean is the son of John Robbins, who famously walked away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to write Diet for a New America. Ocean has forged his own path — helping millions transform their relationship with food and health to experience what truly matters to us in life.In this episode we explore:Why so many people feel like they’re failing at healthHow Ocean’s upbringing shaped his values and missionThe tension between grief, perfectionism, and purposeWhat it means to choose love — again and againThis conversation was one of our most soulful and resonant yet — and I’m so glad to have Po back for it. You’re definitely in for a treat. So whether you’ve felt stuck, not enough, and are looking for a gentler path forward — this episode is for you.Until next time…Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽===================About Ocean RobbinsOcean Robbins is the CEO of Food Revolution Network, a global movement dedicated to healthy, ethical, and sustainable food for all. He’s the son of John Robbins, who famously walked away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to author Diet for a New America. Ocean has carried forward that legacy while forging his own powerful path — helping millions reclaim their relationship with food and root their health journey in compassion, not shame.He’s also the author of the best-selling book 31-Day Food Revolution, and a deeply thoughtful leader in the food justice space, blending science, systems thinking, and soul.🔗 Links + Resources🌎 Website: foodrevolution.org 📕 Book: 31-Day Food Revolution 📸 Instagram (Org): @foodrevolutionnetwork 🧠 More from Ocean: Blog + Resources 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM me, Dr. Rak, on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlifeDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

Why do we start strong… and still end up stuck?(Watch on YouTube) To answer that, my guest today, Kwame Terra, did something no one else ever has.He walked over 2 million steps in 30 days — 66,000 steps a day. That’s more than a marathon’s distance daily, with no rest days. At the end of it, Kwame ended up setting a new world record.But this isn’t a story about crushing a record.It’s a conversation about what it takes to follow through — when no one’s watching, when you hit a wall, and when your old self is begging you to quit.In this episode, we unpack:Why motivation rarely lasts — and what to rely on insteadThe hardest part of walking 66K steps a day (it’s not what you think)How pain, rhythm, and emotional triggers show up in the bodyWhat Kwame learned about trusting himself again through movementWhy “finishing something” can be more healing than we realizeMore than any record, this challenge was about reclaiming a sense of identity, integrity, and forward momentum — through walking.More from Kwame Terra: 👉 bEHR Health — a culturally grounded health platform for Black communities 📸 Instagram: @kwameterra👍 Like this episode? Leave a comment with your biggest “aha” moment — and don’t forget to subscribe.Until next time… Live well and RAK ON,-Dr. Rak 👊🏽 Guest BioKwame Terra is a public health strategist, digital health entrepreneur, and founder of bEHR Health, a culturally grounded health platform designed to improve outcomes in Black communities through personalized insights, real-time support, and community-based care.With a background spanning global health, digital therapeutics, and racial equity, Kwame has advised startups, government agencies, and health systems on how to center equity and behavioral science in population health design. He’s been featured by organizations like Fast Company, Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for his work at the intersection of innovation and inclusion.In 2024, Kwame became the first person to complete the FeSteps Challenge, walking over 2 million steps in 30 consecutive days — a world-record feat rooted not in performance, but in healing, discipline, and finishing what he started. Timestamps0:00 — Dr. Rak’s intro 0:02 — From App Idea to Walking Movement 0:06 — The First Brutal Days: Pain, Fuel & Headaches 0:09 — What Actually Got Him Through: Mindset & Mentors 0:13 — Inspiration, Not Just Steps 0:16 — Movement as a Tool for Health Equity 0:19 — How Kwame’s Health Philosophy Was Formed 0:23 — Plant-Based Awakening & Early Influences 0:28 — Creating a Culture Shift Around Food 0:32 — Designing bEHR Health: More Than an App 0:37 — Building Trust, Tech & Community 0:43 — What’s Next for bEHR Health 0:50 — Reimagining Health Equity 0:56 — Final Reflections & The Desire to Live 1:00 — Where to Find Kwame & How to JoinDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

“I’ve done everything right… so why do I still hurt?” If that question feels familiar, this episode is for you.We’re joined by Dr. Sassy Weinstein, an osteopathic physician, sports medicine expert, and board-certified lifestyle medicine doc who has helped thousands of patients finally heal — not by doing more, but by seeing the body as a whole system.In this conversation, we unpack: •Why pain often isn’t coming from where it hurts •The #1 mistake smart, proactive people make when trying to feel better •How stress, sleep, movement patterns, and shoes (!!) could be part of the problem •Real stories of patients who tried everything… until they didn’t have toThis isn’t about more restriction or another wellness rule. It’s about reclaiming your body’s wisdom and getting back to what matters — with joy, clarity, and sustainable relief. ⸻ ✨ Dr. Sassy Weinstein’s Work: 👉 CORE Sports and Lifestyle Medicine https://coresportsmedicine.com/ 📸 Instagram: @drsassyweinstein  ⸻ Timestamps 00:13 – Intro: Still hurting after doing everything “right”? 02:00 – Why the pain isn’t where the problem is 06:09 – The missing links: stress, sleep, and strength 10:49 – PT, trainers, and who to trust 14:52 – Personalized healing plans that work 21:13 – Community as medicine: the role of connection 26:14 – Tools that help: PRP, shockwave, and smart movement 32:46 – Why Dr. Sassy started her own practice 49:23 – From chore to joy: reframing movement ⸻ 👋🏼 Hosted by Dr. Rakesh “Rak” Jotwani (like rock), a lifestyle medicine physician and founder of RAK Your Life, alongside his friend Po, a former corrections officer who has lost close to 200lbs on his health journey. This podcast is for people living full lives who feel overwhelmed by restrictive wellness advice — and want health to feel joyful and abundant like a feast. ⸻ 👍 Like this episode? Leave a comment with your biggest “aha” moment — and don’t forget to subscribe.🔔 New episodes weekly. Live well and RAK ON. ⸻ 👊🏽 Get Strong at Home and Join the Tribe!What if getting strong didn’t have to feel like punishment?That’s what we’re doing in Strong for Life — our virtual strength session designed for real-life function, balance, and confidence.We had an amazing group last week of 10 people last week — and we’re doing it again this Sunday.🗓 Next session: Sunday at 1pm ET / 10am PT💻 Live on Zoom 💪 Beginner-friendly, no equipment needed (just a chair and space) 💵 $5 drop-in — free for first-timers with code: STRONG 👉 Register here: https://calendly.com/drrak/strength-foundations-build-strength-balanceWant more? More strength. More support. More community.If that’s you too? You can become a member and get access to:- All Strong for Life classes - Live Mindful Meals cook-alongs and breathwork sessions - Replays, recipes, and meditations - A supportive, plant-forward community - A private space that makes health feel like a feast, not a fight🍽️ Membership is just $11/month or $99/year. 🎁 First month free with code RAKON 👉 Join the RAK ON Tribe

Healthcare is broken — and everyone feels it.Appointments are rushed. Costs keep rising. Clinicians are burned out. Patients are frustrated.And the system seems to be hurting the very people it’s supposed to help.In this episode of The Health Feast, I’m joined by Dr. Todd Otten — a board-certified family doctor and Navy veteran — who nearly left medicine after seeing how deeply the system was failing both his patients and his peers.But instead of walking away, he chose to speak out.Todd co-wrote Ripple of Change with one of his patients and is now producing a powerful new documentary, Suck It Up, Buttercup, to reveal what’s really happening inside healthcare — and what needs to change.Whether you’re a clinician on the edge of burnout or a patient who’s felt dismissed and discouraged, this conversation will help you make sense of your experience — and give you a glimpse of what better could look like.What We Cover:What’s actually causing clinician burnout — and why it’s not just long hoursThe hidden trauma of medical trainingWhat “moral injury” means — and why it’s driving people out of medicineHow broken incentives lead to bad outcomes for both patients and doctorsWhy Dr. Otten nearly left medicine — and what pulled him backThe power of solidarity, and why we need collective changeWhat you can do — even if you feel powerless in the system🔗 Resources + Links:📘 Ripple of Change — the book Dr. Otten co-wrote with his patient→ Buy the Book (Official Site)🎬 Suck It Up, Buttercup — the upcoming documentary→ Visit the Official Site→ Support the Film on GoFundMeIf you’ve felt let down by healthcare — or stuck inside a system that doesn’t let you care the way you want to — this episode is for you.Timestamps00:30 Dr. Rak’s intro 02:51 Burnout and Moral Injury in Medicine 05:59 The Ripple of Change: A Co-Authored Journey 08:44 The Crisis of Mental Health Among Physicians 11:39 The Disconnect Between Patients and Healthcare Providers 14:55 The Impact of Training on Physician Well-Being 18:00 The Role of Greed in Healthcare 20:49 Hope and the Path Forward 23:47 The Importance of Collaboration in Healthcare 26:39 The Need for Systemic Change 29:43 Personal Stories and Experiences in Medicine 32:39 The Future of Healthcare and the Documentary ProjectDisclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.

You’ve tried new plans, new diets, new workouts — but you’re still stuck. The truth? The real battle isn’t in your body… it’s in your head.In this episode of The Health Feast, I sit down with strength coach Nick Smoot to explore how mindset and identity drive lasting transformation. Nick shares how he built resilience from a young age, the mental shifts that helped me lose 80 pounds, and why training like an athlete beats chasing quick fixes.We also dive into how fitness supports mental health, the dangers of comparison on social media, and simple strategies to start telling yourself a new story. Whether you’re feeling stuck or looking for a more joyful path to progress, this conversation will give you the tools to break free and finally see results.-----------------👋 Join Our FREE Community: Dr. Rak’s Open TableFeel better through food, movement, and mindfulness — without doing it alone. Inside you’ll find live cook-alongs, strength training, breathwork, and reflections from this podcast.👉 Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/5yfun6ha⏰ Timestamps00:00 Why the real battle is in your head02:10 Awareness and the messages we tell ourselves06:12 Reframing discomfort to find joy in growth10:32 Nick’s parents and a growth mindset15:40 Training like an athlete vs. just working out17:23 How to shift your identity23:16 Losing 80 pounds and shifting goals26:53 Mental health, OCD, and fitness as medicine32:21 Social media and the comparison trap57:59 Nick’s life philosophy for the health feast About Nick SmootNick Smoot is a strength and fitness coach with over 13 years of experience helping people transform their health. Known for his focus on mindset and sustainable training, Nick works with clients to shift their identity, train like athletes, and build resilience in both body and mind.📩 Subscribe to Nick on Substack: https://nicksmoot.substack.com💼 Follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smoot