In this episode of The Well-Being Manifesto, hosts Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman sit down with award-winning health journalist Julia Belluz, co-author of the groundbreaking book Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us. Julia shares her personal journey with weight, health reporting, and how our modern food environment, not just individual choices, plays a central role in the global epidemic of obesity, chronic disease, and nutrition-related illnesses.

Together, we explore:

• Why food systems and the rise of ultra-processed foods are reshaping our health
• The truth about metabolism, calories, carbs vs. fat, and why diet debates often miss the bigger picture
• How research from The Biggest Loser revealed surprising insights about long-term weight loss and metabolism
• The promises and pitfalls of precision nutrition, supplements, and continuous glucose monitors
• The dangers of blame and shame culture around food and the urgent need to rethink public health and food policy

(2:00) - Julia's Background

(7:52) - Metabolism and 'The Biggest Loser'

(17:58) - Diet Tribes

(25:46) - Personalized Nutrition

(34:49) - Tobacco's Influence on Food

(42:51) - GLP-1s

(49:41) - Rapid-Fire Questions

Julia brings her evidence-based lens to topics like diet fads, nutritional science, food addiction, and toxic food environments, while Moain and David connect these insights to practical strategies for living well. If you’re curious about the science of food, nutrition myths, and how to make healthier choices in a world stacked against us, this conversation will change the way you think about eating.

Support for Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Buy Julia's book: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Intelligence-Science-Nourishes-Harms/dp/059333230X

Stay connected at: https://www.thewellbeingmanifesto.com

In this episode of The Well-Being Manifesto, hosts Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman sit down with Dr. Robert Waldinger—psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and director of the world-famous Harvard Study of Adult Development. As co-author of The Good Life, Dr. Waldinger brings decades of research and 80+ years of data on happiness, relationships, and health to the conversation.

Dr. Waldinger shares practical insights from neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness practices, showing how cultivating relationships, gratitude, and presence can protect both mental health and physical health. Whether you’re seeking strategies for emotional wellness, curious about the science of happiness, or looking to build more meaningful connections, this episode offers evidence-based guidance on living a good life.

(2:00) - Dr. Waldinger's Background

(3:55) - Harvard Study of Adult Development and Findings

(11:48) - The Power of Connection

(16:20) - Limitations of Harvard Study

(20:46) - Impact of Early Caregiving

(27:02) - Meditation and Mindfulness

(34:18) - Being Grateful

(42:13) - Types of Happiness

✨ Don’t miss this deep dive into happiness, health, and human connection with one of the world’s leading voices on well-being.

Stay connected at: https://www.thewellbeingmanifesto.com

Dr. Robert Pearl—renowned physician leader, educator, and author is our guest on this episode of The Well-Being Manifesto. Hosts Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman dive deep into:

✅ The culture of medicine and how it impacts personal well-being

✅ Chronic disease, prevention, and lifestyle medicine

✅ The future of healthcare systems and reducing costs

✅ Physician burnout, moral injury, and healthcare equity

✅ How AI and generative technology could revolutionize patient care and empower individuals

✅ Practical strategies for improving your own health and well-being

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, wellness advocate, or someone striving for better balance in life, this episode will give you the insights and tools to reimagine well-being at both the personal and systemic levels.

✨ Key Topics Covered: personal well-being, healthcare culture, prevention vs. intervention, lifestyle medicine, equity in healthcare, physician burnout, technology in medicine, generative AI, Whole Person Care.

(1:44) - Dr. Pearl's Background

(4:16) - Dysfunction of American Healthcare

(10:45) - Preventative Medicine

(12:39) - Burnout

(16:33) - Health Equity

(26:46) - AI and Healthcare

(48:55) - Rapid-Fire Questions

📘 Learn more about Dr. Robert Pearl’s books: Mistreated, Uncaring, and ChatGPT, MD here: https://robertpearlmd.com and listen to his podcast here: https://www.fixinghealthcarepodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe to The Well-Being Manifesto for inspiring conversations on personal growth, health, and well-being. Stay connected by visiting: https://www.thewellbeingmanifesto.com

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