What if your dinner could work as well as your prescription? In this episode, I’m joined again by Dr. Mary Sco., MD-PhD in Nutrition Sciences, to break down head-to-head comparisons of diet and lifestyle changes versus medications. From cholesterol and blood pressure to migraines, diabetes, and even mental health, we look at the research on when food can match—or even outperform—pharmaceuticals, and when prescriptions are still the best choice.

LINKS

The Truth Behind Seed Oils with Dr Mary Sco | https://bit.ly/4fIk4Cr 

Molly’s ‘Beyond LDL’ podcast with Dr Lavie | https://bit.ly/4mk3Sd1

Fish Oil: A Master Class with Dr Lavie | https://bit.ly/46X4KzH

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New York Times recently published its “10 Nutrition Lessons for 2025, So Far”—and we’re putting them under the microscope. I’m joined by journalist and wellness expert Melanie Warner Spencer for a rapid-fire reality check on what works, what needs tweaking, and how to make each tip doable in real life.

LINKS 

More about Melanie at melaniewarnerspencer.com

10 Nutrition Lessons From 2025, So Far | https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/02/well/eat/nutrition-food-tips-2025.html

Food Addiction - Molly’s interview with Ashley Gearhart, PhD | http://bit.ly/44TWv4G

Synthetic Food Dyes - Molly’s interview with Thomas Garrigan, PhD, Center for Science in Public Interest | http://bit.ly/415N9BE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicory has been paired with coffee for millennia, from ancient herbal tonics to the signature New Orleans café au lait. Roast Master Felton Jones joins us to trace its journey, taste-test pure chicory, and share why this caffeine-free root is climbing bestseller lists – and how you can brew it at home.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've lined up seven popular ready-to-drink protein shakes with fellow dietitian Brittany Craft and 12-year-old super-taster Lily. Expect unfiltered flavor reviews, nutrition call-outs and a surprise winner as kid taste buds square off against RD standards for protein, sugar and electrolytes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tiny plastic shards are turning up everywhere—from bottled water to human brains. But how worried should we be? Chemist and sustainability pioneer Sherri ‘Sam’ Mason, PhD joins Molly to cover the latest research on micro- and nano-plastics, clarify real versus overblown health risks and share high-impact habits that slash exposure without upending your life. Evidence-based, solution-focused, refreshingly panic-free.

LINKS

Dr. Sherri Mason’s website, including links to her favorite plastic-free products | https://www.sherrimason.com

Microplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them - by the NYT and Wirecutter | https://bit.ly/4k73n5j

12 Ways to Break Up With Single-Use Plastics | https://bit.ly/43aLVpe

Wirecutter’s 3-part plastics challenge | https://bit.ly/4m8uePB

Dr. Sherri Mason’s 2021 interview with Molly, ‘The Problem with Plastics’ | https://bit.ly/4iQZf7P

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bright blues, blazing reds, neon yellows. Those bright, vivid  hues in our favorite snacks are hiding more than just color. We’re joined by Thomas Galligan  of the Center for Science in the Public Interest to understand the science behind synthetic food dyes, their surprising links to mental  health, and why the US lags behind other countries on regulation. Tune in for practical tips on spotting hidden dyes, easy natural swaps, and a no-alarmist look at keeping your plate vibrant—without the petroleum-based pigments.

LINKS 

CSPI: Artificial colorings (synthetic food dyes)https://www.cspinet.org/article/artificial-colorings-synthetic-food-dyes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a peek behind the scenes of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival to explore the heartwarming stories of four longtime food vendors. Discover how family traditions, cultural influences and unwavering passion come together to create some of Jazz Fest’s iconic dishes. From Congo Square to Heritage Square, we’ll hear how each vendor keeps their legacy thriving while welcoming us with open arms—and what it truly means to be part of the Jazz Fest family.

JAZZ FEST VENDORS – BEHIND THE SCENES

LINKS

The Raw Truth: From The Gambia to NOLA – Charlie Mendy's Culinary Journey | https://bit.ly/3RE97Xk

Gult Treasures Unveiled: How NOLA Chefs are Reimaging Local Seafood - featuring chef Dana Honn | https://bit.ly/4cipWka

Backstage with Eat Fit: A Delicious Collaboration with New Orleans Festivals | https://bit.ly/4chLmhc

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seed oils are suddenly at the center of controversy, prompting restaurants and consumers to explore 'seed oil free' options.  From soybean to safflower, seed oils have been praised for their unsaturated fatty acid profile but now targeted as culprits of inflammation, oxidation and beyond. Dr. Mary Sco. MD, PhD, a double doctor in nutrition and disease prevention, joins FUELED to sift through the evidence: How much of the controversy is rooted in science versus sensationalism?  If you're puzzled by the polarizing views on seed oils, this episode offers a balanced perspective to help you navigate your wellness choices.

LINKS

Dr. Mary Sco’s PBS article on seed oils | https://bit.ly/43fGneM

Dr. Mary Sco website | www.nutrition-prescriptions.com 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're unpacking the dangerous allure of unverified health claims in social media. We navigate the murky waters of influencer ethics and the consequences of deceptive wellness marketing. We also unravel the tangled web of wellness deceit woven by Belle Gibson, whose notorious health hoax is the focus of the latest Netflix sensation, “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Joined by experts Melanie Warner Spencer and Dr. John Sawyer, we delve into the psychology that draws us to persuasive but potentially harmful health narratives and provide practical tips for discerning fact from fiction. This episode is sure to equip you with the tools you need to critically evaluate the wellness content you consume.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices