Episodes

  • How Food Impacts the Neurodivergent Brain

    How Food Impacts the Neurodivergent Brain
    Jul 22 2025
    Katherine Lawrence, BCAS is a nutritionist, board certified autism specialist, and mom to a child with autism, ADHD, and OCD. She’s seen firsthand how certain foods can make symptoms worse, like stimming and challenging behavior, while others help her son feel calm, focused, and in control. Backed by science and grounded in real life, Katherine shares what every parent of a neurodivergent child should know about food: what to avoid, what to prioritize, and how to ensure even the pickiest eaters get the nutrition they need. In this episode of The Exam Room, you'll learn: - The best foods for neurodivergent brains - The worst foods for neurodivergent brains - How processed foods and sugar affect behavior and self-regulation - The smoothie routine that changed everything for Katherine's neurodivergent child - Practical tips for helping selective and picky eaters get the nutrition they need - The most powerful gift you can give your neurodivergent child — — SHOW LINKS — — Katherine Lawrence Neurodivergent Nutrition Masterclass: https://bit.ly/NeurodivNutrition Use code EXAMROOM to save 30% Ted X Talk: https://youtu.be/tsTnl-2KkNg?si=tvy0ydfsl6oTS-Wk — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm Use code NUTRITION50 to save $50 — — — Wellness Weekend Where: Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, WV When: Sept. 26-27, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend — —EXAM ROOM NEWSLETTER — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    53 mins
  • Doctor's List of Healthy Processed Foods | Dr. Neal Barnard

    Doctor's List of Healthy Processed Foods | Dr. Neal Barnard
    Jul 17 2025
    Are processed foods unhealthy? A new study suggests we're divided on how to answer that question. Dr. Neal Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is one of the authors of that study. He joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room to dive into the results -- and why it matters that Americans are so conflicted about which class of foods are healthy, and which will make you sick. Dr. Barnard will review the most purchased processed foods and identify which are the most and least healthy. He will also go over the results of a PCRM survey showing Americans' opinions on processed foods. Many are unaware that the majority of food that they're eating is ultra processed. But not all processed foods are created equally. This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation. — — SHOW LINKS — — Processed Foods Survey https://bit.ly/procfoodsurvey — — — Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund https://gregoryreiterfund.org — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — — Wellness Weekend Where: Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, WV When: Sept. 26-27, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend — —EXAM ROOM NEWSLETTER — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    48 mins
  • Her Health Was Failing. Then She Found Macrobiotics.

    Her Health Was Failing. Then She Found Macrobiotics.
    Jul 15 2025
    At 19, Marisa was told her colon might need to be removed to heal her ulcerative colitis. At 29, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But today, she’s thriving—and sharing how she used food, intuition, and determination to heal. In this powerful episode of The Exam Room, Chuck Carroll sits down with Marisa to unpack her two-decade-long health journey. From life-threatening flare-ups and hospital stays to a macrobiotic diet, emotional resilience, and the importance of advocating for your body, Marisa’s story is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating chronic illness. In this episode, you'll learn: - How Marisa used macrobiotics to heal - Why Marisa said “no” to surgery—and what happened next - How trauma, stress, and intuition played a role in recovery - The life-changing mindset shift she wants everyone to hear Don’t miss this one—especially if you or someone you love is struggling with ulcerative colitis, thyroid issues, or chronic inflammation Key Takeaways What is a macrobiotic diet? Marisa describes a macrobiotic diet as eating "a perfect plate" -- one that is plant-based and balanced in foods containing carbohydrates and starches, and healthy fats, for example. What’s the connection between stress and chronic illness? Marisa’s flares often followed emotional events. Her journey highlights how stress and trauma can manifest physically, and why emotional healing is vital. Who is Marisa Marinelli? Marisa is a health and wellness advocate who healed from ulcerative colitis and thyroid cancer. She says a macrobiotic diet, self-education, and emotional resilience played a significant role in her recovery. — — SHOW LINKS — — Marisa Marinelli Instagram: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macromarinelli — — — Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise https://holisticholidayatsea.com — — — Gout Cereal Study https://bit.ly/cerealgoutstudy — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — — Wellness Weekend Where: Canaan Valley Resort - Davis, WV When: Sept. 26-27, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend — —EXAM ROOM NEWSLETTER — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    54 mins
  • STOP Drinking Soda. Your Gut Will Thank You. | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

    STOP Drinking Soda. Your Gut Will Thank You. | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
    Jul 10 2025
    We know that kombucha is better for you than soda, right? But just how differently do these two beverages affect the gut? When you choose a ginger kombucha over, say, a cherry cola, the impact of that decision may be greater than you think. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, gastroenterologist and best-selling author of Fiber Fueled, takes us inside the digestive tract to help us understand the big impact of these seemingly small choices. Plus -- an update on Chuck Carroll's health journey. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic have a new theory about what may be causing Chuck's debilitating symptoms. In this episode of The Exam Room you'll learn: - How kombucha benefits the gut - The impact of soda vs kombucha on the body - How acid in soda and kombucha can put microplastics in your body - What to know about alcohol in kombucha - How added sugar impacts the microbiome and the immune system — — SHOW LINKS — — Will Bulsiewicz Courses: https://theplantfedgut.com 38Tera: https://38tera.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd — — — GreenFare 21-Day Kickstart with Chuck Starts July 12 in Herndon, VA. Register: https://greenfare.com/product/july-12th-saturday-21-day-kickstart-with-chuck — — — Chef AJ’s Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas https://theplantpoweredparty.com — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 5 Powerful Habits for Staying Healthy in a Junk Food World

    5 Powerful Habits for Staying Healthy in a Junk Food World
    Jul 8 2025
    How do you stick to healthy eating when there’s a fast food restaurant on every corner and healthy options are hard to come by. Brenda Workman knows the struggle — and she’s found a way through it. After decades of yo-yo dieting, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, she made a mindset shift that changed everything. Now she’s 60 pounds lighter, off her medications, and thriving on a plant-based diet… in one of the unhealthiest states in the U.S. Brenda shares the five practical habits that helped her stay the course, even when surrounded by junk food and temptations. You’ll learn: - Brenda’s five go-to strategies for eating healthy in an unhealthy world - Why focusing on health — not weight loss — is the key to real change - How to fight cravings and ditch junk food for good - Practical tips for starting, and sticking with, a plant-based lifestyle — — SHOW LINKS — — Support PCRM https://www.pcrm.org/match All donations doubled through July 10 up to $500,000 — — — Brenda Workman Wellness Weekend: https://www.brendaworkmanspeaks.com/wellness-weekend YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brendaworkmancooksplants — — — Dr. Brooke Bussard https://drbrookebussard.com — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    37 mins
  • Best and Worst Foods for Sleep: Dr. Barnard’s Science-Backed Rules

    Best and Worst Foods for Sleep: Dr. Barnard’s Science-Backed Rules
    Jul 3 2025
    New research reveals that what you eat during the day directly impacts how well you sleep at night — and it’s not what you think. Dr. Neal Barnard breaks down a new study showing that fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates can significantly improve sleep quality, while high-protein diets, red meat, and even that “harmless” evening glass of wine may leave you feeling exhausted. In this episode of The Exam Room with Chuck Carroll, you’ll learn: - The best foods for a good night's sleep - The top foods for natural melatonin production - What NOT to eat before bed (including some surprising ones) - Dr. Barnard’s 5 research-backed rules for better sleep - Whether sugar is really the enemy of a good night’s sleep This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation. — — SHOW LINKS — — Support PCRM https://www.pcrm.org/match All donations doubled through July 10 up to $500,000 — — — Fruit & Veg Sleep Study https://bit.ly/FruitVegSleep — — — Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund https://gregoryreiterfund.org — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    40 mins
  • The Hidden Psychology Behind a Plant-Based Diet

    The Hidden Psychology Behind a Plant-Based Diet
    Jul 1 2025
    Can changing your diet change your life? This psychologist says yes, and in ways you don't expect. Angela Crawford studied 350 vegans around the world and found that adopting a plant-based lifestyle had profound psychological, emotional and even spiritual impacts on her subjects. In this episode of The Exam Room podcast, Angela joins Chuck Carroll to unpack the findings of her research and her new book Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World. If you've ever wondered about what it means to be vegan, this episode is for you. You'll learn: - How a plant-based diet affects emotional well-being - What psychological benefits vegans report - Why going vegan can deepen your sense of purpose - The role of values and identity in plant-based living - How to stay true to your values in a meat-eating world — — SHOW LINKS — — Support PCRM https://www.pcrm.org/match All donations doubled through July 10 up to $500,000 — — — Angela Crawford The Vegan Transformation Book: https://amzn.to/46jNJiC Website: https://angelacrawfordphd.com — — EVENTS — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    39 mins
  • Strength Train and Live Longer at Any Age or Fitness Level

    Strength Train and Live Longer at Any Age or Fitness Level
    Jun 26 2025
    Can you eat your way to a longer life? A healthy diet helps — but it’s not the whole story. Dr. Roxie Becker says strength training plays an underrated but essential role in healthy aging and longevity. And no, you don’t need to lift kettlebells or sprint on a treadmill to see results. Dr. Becker believes anyone — at any age or fitness level — can start building muscle from home. No gym. No pressure. Just smart, sustainable progress. In this episode of The Exam Room, she shares practical tips for getting started with strength training, what to eat to support your goals, and what the latest research says about aging and recovery. Dr. Becker joined Chuck Carroll at GreenFare Organic Café in Herndon, Virginia for this special live show. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How much protein you actually need - Which plant-based proteins Dr. Becker recommends - How plant protein compares to animal protein for muscle-building - What VO₂ Max is — and how to improve it - Why lean muscle matters for long-term health - How to build strength without stepping into a gym This is your no-pressure guide to getting stronger! — — SHOW LINKS — — Support PCRM https://www.pcrm.org/match All donations doubled through July 10 up to $500,000 — — EVENTS — — NHA Conference Where: Cleveland, OH When: June 26-29, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://bit.ly/NHAtix2025 — — — International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine Where: Washington, DC When: August 14-16, 2025 Tix & Speakers: https://www.pcrm.org/icnm — — BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP — — Sign up: https://www.pcrm.org/examroomvip — — THIS IS US — — The Exam Room Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theexamroompodcast — — — Chuck Carroll Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckCarrollWLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuckCarrollWLC X: https://www.twitter.com/ChuckCarrollWLC — — — Physicians Committee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org X: https://www.twitter.com/pcrm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCRM Jobs: https://www.pcrm.org/careers — — SUBSCRIBE & SHARE — — 5-Star Success: Share Your Story Apple: https://apple.co/2JXBkpy​​ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2pMLoY3 — — — Please subscribe and give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or many other podcast providers. Don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!
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    1 hr and 4 mins