Chef AJ has been through one of the hardest chapters of her life. But she is still laughing. Still exercising. Still showing up. Still making plans. And most importantly, still finding reasons to enjoy life.

In this deeply personal and often hilarious conversation, Chef AJ joins Chuck Carroll to talk about continuing to move forward despite health challenges, treatment and unexpected obstacles. She shares why improv comedy and exercise remained priorities even during some of her most difficult days—and why doing the things that make you feel better can matter most when you least feel like doing them.

Chuck and AJ also open up about the friendship they've developed while both navigating their own health challenges and the messages of encouragement they've exchanged along the way.

Plus, Chef AJ talks about laughter, improv, overcoming fear, taking chances, creating your own luck and why sometimes the first step forward is the hardest—and most important—one.

And there is plenty of fun ahead!

Chef AJ is hosting the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas September 4–6, where Chuck will also be appearing along with an incredible lineup of plant-based doctors, chefs and experts. Can't make it to Las Vegas? You can join the party virtually from anywhere in the world and watch online. Use the link in the episode notes to learn more.

This is a conversation about friendship, resilience and finding joy even when life doesn't go according to plan.

Never stop moving forward.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Hemma Werner
• Gail Sears
• Anette Cathrine Nedreli

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

📕 Chef AJ Books

👉 https://amzn.to/3U4HTxB

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated action

Is meat really masculine or could it be causing erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll to examine the connection between meat, blood flow, heart health, testosterone, muscle, fertility, prostate health, and ED.

Dr. Barnard explains why erectile dysfunction may sometimes appear before more obvious signs of cardiovascular disease. He also discusses whether meat actually improves testosterone or muscle growth, how a high-fat meal may affect athletic performance, and why strong muscles on the outside do not always mean healthy arteries on the inside.

You'll also learn:

• How quickly circulation may begin to improve after changing your diet
• Why plant foods can provide the protein needed to build muscle
• The possible connection between dairy, fertility, and prostate health
• What a practical day of eating for men's health could look like
• Why tomatoes, beans, whole grains, and other plant foods deserve a place on the menu

Plus, Chuck and Dr. Barnard preview the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, happening August 13–15 in Washington, D.C.

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

Use code EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Teri Lynn Yunus, NP
• Kathy D'Ambrosio
• Joanne Pinner, MSN

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Can you lower LDL cholesterol by changing the foods you eat?

Dr. David Jenkins, the pioneering nutrition researcher behind the Portfolio Diet, joins Chuck Carroll to explain how a carefully selected combination of foods may help bring cholesterol under control.

Dr. Jenkins reveals why oats and barley may be particularly effective for lowering cholesterol, how their sticky soluble fiber interacts with bile acids, and why simply telling someone to "eat more fiber" may not be specific enough.

You'll also learn:

• The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol
• Whether dietary cholesterol is necessary for good health
• How the Portfolio Diet was developed
• Why soy may lower LDL while replacing less healthy proteins
• The difference between fats from plants and animals
• Why nuts can be beneficial despite being high in fat and calories
• What extra-virgin olive oil may offer beyond unsaturated fat
• How plant-based eating can benefit human and planetary health
• Why partial dietary changes can still be meaningful
• How diet may be used alongside cholesterol-lowering medication

Dr. Jenkins is a professor of medicine and nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto and one of the world's leading researchers on diet, cholesterol, diabetes, plant protein, and soluble fiber.

Hear more from Dr. Jenkins at the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, Aug. 13–15, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

Use code EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Michelle Walker
• Steven Alongi
• Todd Lindley

Support The Exam Room Podcast and Physicians Committee and hear your name mentioned on the show!

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz returns with a complete guide to constipation, including the symptoms many people overlook even when they are having a bowel movement every day.

Dr. B joins Chuck Carroll to explain the different patterns of constipation, including slow transit, pelvic-floor or outlet dysfunction, IBS with constipation, and the surprisingly common problem of a digestive system that has simply fallen out of rhythm.

They also discuss the morning habits that may help train your body when to go, foods associated with constipation relief, magnesium and fiber supplements, questions surrounding long-term laxative use, and why a full colon can contribute to bloating, nausea, early fullness, and loss of appetite.

Chuck shares his own experience after years of severe constipation and reveals the routine that has helped him become more regular while improving his bloating and appetite.

🧠 You'll learn:

• Why your bowel movements should generally follow a pattern
• How a morning routine may help train your body when to go
• The connection between constipation, bloating, nausea, and appetite
• Foods associated with constipation relief, including kiwi, prunes, and chia seeds
• The forms of magnesium Dr. B discusses for constipation
• Concerns surrounding long-term laxative use
• Why several days without a bowel movement followed by diarrhea may still be constipation
• How travel can throw your digestive system completely out of rhythm

Plus, Dr. B explains why going several days without a bowel movement followed by diarrhea may still be a constipation problem.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Javier Santiago
• Dr. Mickey Witte
• Kimberly Cadieux

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🩺 38 Tera DMN and RCE

👉 https://www.38tera.com

🩺 Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Courses

👉 https://www.theguthealthmd.com

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Can trying to eat perfectly actually make you less healthy?

Dr. Matthew Lederman joins Chuck Carroll to explore the hidden connection between food perfectionism, fear, chronic stress, gut health, sleep, and the nervous system.

A nutritious diet remains an essential foundation for good health. But what happens when healthy choices are driven by anxiety? When a small amount of oil, salt, or sugar feels dangerous? Or when every unexplained symptom sends you searching for another food intolerance, supplement, or dietary rule?

Dr. Lederman explains why two people can eat the same healthy meal while experiencing completely different physiological responses. One may be eating from joy and self-care. The other may be eating from fear—and that fear can keep the body locked in a state of heightened vigilance.

Chuck also shares candid stories from his own health journey, including the years when strict food rules created additional stress and the relief he experienced after allowing himself greater flexibility.

🧠 You'll learn:

• When discipline may actually be fear in disguise
• How stress and perceived danger can affect the gut
• Why a "perfect" diet cannot address every health problem
• The relationship between nervous-system regulation and sleep
• How to build healthy habits that feel sustainable and enjoyable
• Why health should make your life feel bigger—not smaller

Dr. Matthew Lederman is a board-certified internal medicine physician, medical strategist, and Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Kay Gustin
• Kathleen Herman
• Ruth Allstadt

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🩺 Connection Docs

👉 https://www.connectiondocs.com

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Are Impossible Burgers and fake meats worse for you than a steak or hamburger?

Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to examine one of today's biggest nutrition debates. A veggie burger and a beef burger may both be classified as processed, but does that make them nutritionally equal? What about plant milk versus dairy milk, packaged cereal versus bacon and eggs, or a protein bar versus a cheeseburger?

Dr. Barnard explains what "ultra-processed" actually means, why certain foods can encourage overeating, and whether the widely used NOVA classification system paints with too broad a brush. He also explores why saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, calorie density, and a food's source may matter just as much as—or more than—the number of ingredients on its label.

🧠 You'll learn:

• Whether all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy
• How a veggie burger compares with a beef burger
• Whether plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are healthy
• Why ultra-processed foods may interfere with fullness
• Which additives and ingredients deserve a closer look
• The packaged plant-based foods Dr. Barnard considers reasonable choices
• What to look for first on a nutrition label
• How to make healthier choices when time and money are limited

The conversation also previews the International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine, happening Aug. 13–15, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Dr. Barnard will be joined by more than 30 leading experts for presentations on ultra-processed foods, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, diabetes, heart disease, the gut microbiome, pain, cancer prevention, kidney health, the new Dietary Guidelines, and much more.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Atchareeya Archatawan
• William Klein
• Sali Ortiz

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

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.

🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund

👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Junk food was harder for Susan Peirce Thompson to quit than crack cocaine.

The founder and CEO of Bright Line Eating joins Chuck Carroll for a deeply personal conversation about food addiction, compulsive eating, cravings, and long-term weight loss.

Susan shares her remarkable journey from crystal meth and crack addiction to becoming a PhD and internationally recognized expert in the psychology of eating. She explains why food addiction can be uniquely difficult to overcome when triggers are everywhere and eating remains necessary for survival.

Chuck also revisits his own addiction-driven 10,000-calorie days, including a daily Taco Bell meal containing more than 4,000 calories.

Together, they explore the foods that may be most addictive, dopamine downregulation, ultra-processed foods, the return of cravings years into recovery, and the personal guardrails that can help someone finally break free.

Susan also shares lessons from her book Maintain and explains why lasting weight loss is not simply about completing a diet. It requires a fundamental shift in identity and becoming devoted to the habits that support your health.

Susan also explains why a person's recovery plan must be individualized and why occasionally experiencing a craving does not mean that years of progress have been lost.

Chuck and Susan will be speaking at the Plant Powered Party in Las Vegas with Chef AJ, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and many others. Tickets are available now for the Labor Day weekend bash.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Peggy Fuchs
• Monna Throop
• Kathleen Adamson

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

📕 Maintain Book

👉 https://amzn.to/4wjv4Oa

❓Food Addiction Quiz

👉 https://www.foodaddictionquiz.com

🍽️ Bright Line Eating

👉 https://www.brightlineeating.com

🎉 Plant-Powered Party Las Vegas

👉 https://bit.ly/ChefAJParty

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Why do chronic diseases remain so common when we have more medicine and medical technology than ever before?

Chuck Carroll is joined by two leading physicians for a powerful live conversation about what truly creates health.

Dr. Columbus Batiste is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and passionate advocate for protecting the heart through lifestyle. Dr. Joel Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician, nutritional researcher, and seven-time New York Times bestselling author. Learn about Dr. Batiste and Dr. Fuhrman.

Recorded at the National Health Association Conference, this conversation explores:

• Why medicine alone may not be enough to create lasting health
• How food and daily habits influence chronic disease
• The effects of stress on the heart and body
• Why people sabotage their health despite knowing what to do
• How movement, sleep, gratitude, and community support longevity
• What doctors can do to better connect with and motivate patients
• How to turn health information into sustainable change

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Chuck's mom, Ann Carroll
• Daria Dreher
• Sheral Lee Schowe

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

🍽️ Food For Life Instructor Applications

👉 https://bit.ly/food-for-life-instructor

🩺 Dr. Joel Fuhrman

👉 https://www.drfuhrman.com

🩺 Dr. Columbus Batiste

👉 https://drbatiste.com

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Erling Haaland eats six meals and roughly 6,000 calories every day to fuel his extraordinary performance on the soccer field. But should anyone else be eating like him?

Haaland's highly publicized routine includes raw milk, beef liver, cow heart, steak, eggs, fish, pasta, vegetables, and honey. In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, Dr. Neal Barnard joins "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll to examine whether the foods powering one of the world's greatest athletes could create serious health risks for the average person.

Dr. Barnard explores the immediate food-safety concerns surrounding raw milk and the potential problems associated with regularly consuming organ meats. Could highly concentrated amounts of dietary cholesterol, heme iron, vitamin A, and copper become too much of a good thing?

🧠 You will also learn:

• Why an elite athlete may require thousands more calories than the average person
• Whether eating six meals a day provides a metabolic advantage
• The difference between short-term athletic performance and long-term health
• Why looking lean and powerful does not necessarily reveal what is happening inside the body
• Healthier ways to fuel exercise, recovery, strength, and endurance

This is not about criticizing Haaland's talent or discipline. It is about understanding why a diet created for an extraordinary athlete should not automatically become a nutrition plan for everyone else.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Roy Wessbecher
• LuAnne Siwiec
• Isabel Fernandes, PhD

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

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.

🌱 Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund

👉 https://gregoryreiterfund.org

🎉 ICNM - Washington DC - 8/13-15

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/icnm

EXAMROOM100 to save $100 on tickets!

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us - The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

Krista Ryan survived the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas. Years later, she faced another life-altering challenge when she was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer.

Four surgeries, chemotherapy, an ileostomy, and a difficult recovery followed.

But Krista kept going.

She joins Chuck Carroll to share the resilience philosophy she calls KFG: Know, Focus, Go. The initials also carry another, considerably more forceful meaning that captures the determination required to move forward when life becomes unimaginably difficult.

Krista explains why true resilience does not mean hiding fear or pretending that everything is fine. She shares how allowing herself to feel anger, grief, and vulnerability ultimately gave her more strength.

You will also hear how a brief conversation with another cancer survivor prompted Krista to seek testing, what it was like to tell her children about the diagnosis, how humor helped her through treatment, and why even the smallest action can be a meaningful act of perseverance.

This episode is for anyone living with illness, recovering from trauma, supporting someone they love, or searching for the courage to write the next chapter of their story.

Exam Roomies of the Week

• Jennifer Rogers
• Danica Brooks
• X-tine Goodreau

Make a gift to support The Exam Room Podcast and the life-changing work of the Physicians Committee.

🙏 Support The Exam Room Podcast & PCRM

👉 https://bit.ly/SupportExamRoom

📕 KFG Book

👉 https://amzn.to/4f0RiOL

💪 Krista Ryan

👉 https://www.kristaryan.com

PCRM Cancer Resources

👉 https://www.pcrm.org/health-topics/cancer

This episode is not medical advice. Always speak with your doctor about any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

- About Us -

The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.