The Health Feast

“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 to

This 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-balance

Want 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 hours
• The hidden trauma of medical training
• What “moral injury” means — and why it’s driving people out of medicine
• How broken incentives lead to bad outcomes for both patients and doctors
• Why Dr. Otten nearly left medicine — and what pulled him back
• The power of solidarity, and why we need collective change
• What 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 GoFundMe

If 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.

Timestamps

00:30 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 Project

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.

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.

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👋 Join Our FREE Community: Dr. Rak’s Open Table

Feel 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

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Why the real battle is in your head

02:10 Awareness and the messages we tell ourselves

06:12 Reframing discomfort to find joy in growth

10:32 Nick’s parents and a growth mindset

15:40 Training like an athlete vs. just working out

17:23 How to shift your identity

23:16 Losing 80 pounds and shifting goals

26:53 Mental health, OCD, and fitness as medicine

32:21 Social media and the comparison trap

57:59 Nick’s life philosophy for the health feast

About Nick Smoot

Nick 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

In this episode of The Health Feast (watch on YouTube), I’m joined by Dr. Shivani Gupta — an Ayurvedic doctor whose PhD research focused on turmeric — to explore how India’s ancient science of life can help us feel more vibrant and at ease in the modern world.

Dr. Gupta has dedicated her career to making Ayurveda practical and accessible, blending its timeless wisdom with today’s lifestyle medicine. She helps us understand not only what Ayurveda is, but how it can guide us toward balance, energy, and true well-being without restriction or confusion.

What Ayurveda really is — and why it still matters today

The six pillars of Ayurveda, from circadian rhythm to gut health

How detox and fasting fit into the Ayurvedic view of healing

Understanding the doshas and what they reveal about your unique constitution

The role of turmeric and other “super spices” in reducing inflammation

Simple daily rituals anyone can start to boost balance and vitality

Whether you’re new to Ayurveda, curious about ancient wisdom with modern application, or simply looking for ways to bring more ease into your health journey — this episode will give you both clarity and practical tools to get started.

Learn more about Dr. Shivani Gupta: shivanigupta.com

Follow Dr. Shivani on Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta

Explore her educational work on Ayurveda and inflammation through her supplement line: Fusionary Formulas — use code HEALTH for 10% off.

(Shared here for those interested; inclusion does not represent an endorsement.)

And if you found this valuable — share it with a friend, subscribe, or leave a review.

Live well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak 👊🏽

Want to feel better through food, movement, and mindfulness — without going it alone?

👉 Sign up here

I created Dr. Rak’s Open Table, a free membership where we host live events like plant-based cook-alongs, strength training, breathwork, and reflections from this podcast.

And this Sunday, Sept 28 at 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET, you’re invited to our next Mindful Meals Cook-Along on Zoom — we’ll make a vibrant, whole-food, plant-based meal together (Smoky Tomato Lentil Soup, Stone Fruit & Arugula Salad, and Cardamom-Lime Chia Pudding).

It’s free to join, and signing up gives you access to both the event and the ongoing community.

Sign up for free here

Dr. Shivani Gupta is a distinguished Ayurvedic practitioner and researcher committed to integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern scientific rigor. With advanced training in Ayurvedic Sciences and doctoral research focused on turmeric, her work notably bridges traditional herbal medicine and contemporary clinical applications.

As the founder and CEO of Fusionary Formulas, Dr. Gupta leads efforts to develop high-quality formulations that honor the principles of Ayurveda, quality sourcing, and evidence-informed design. She is also an experienced speaker and educator, teaching globally on topics such as gut health, inflammation, circadian rhythm, and how to apply self-care rituals in daily life.

Dr. Gupta’s mission is to empower individuals to reclaim vibrant health through practical, accessible tools rooted in Ayurveda — helping people find balance, energy, and well-being in their modern lives.

00:00 The Essence of Vibrant Health

If you found this valuable, share it with a friend, subscribe, or leave a review — it helps more people discover the show.

Live well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak 👊🏽

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.

In this episode of The Health Feast, I’m joined by Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, FACLM, Chef, aka The Chef Doc — a physician, chef, and board member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine — to explore why so many people feel lost, even when they’re trying to do everything “right.”

Dr. Zhu’s unique background in both culinary arts and clinical medicine brings a fresh perspective to what real healing requires — and why food is more than just fuel. It’s identity. It’s connection. It’s power.

Why our healthcare system focuses on managing disease, not creating health

The food–body–community connection, and why it matters more than ever

How Colin’s journey through culinary school changed his approach to medicine

Reframing food from restriction and fear to creativity and joy

The ripple effect of our daily choices — personally and planetarily

How to reclaim agency and start building health on your terms

We also talk about his passion for blending creativity and health — including his recent appearance in the lifestyle medicine anthem, We Living Healthy, a joyful music video celebrating movement, community, and taking charge of your well-being.

Learn more about Dr. Colin Zhu: https://www.thechefdoc.co/

Follow Colin on Instagram: @thechefdoc

Listen to Colin’s podcast Thrive Bites: wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.thechefdoc.co/thrive-bites-podcast

Preorder Colin’s new book (coming in 2026) Empowered Kitchen: https://publishizer.com/empowered-kitchen/

And if you found this valuable — share it with a friend, subscribe, or leave a review.

Live well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak 👊🏽

Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, FACLM, Chef is a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, professionally trained chef, and the founder of The Chef Doc, an online platform bridging the healing power of food with evidence-based medicine. He completed his culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute and holds certifications from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, combining clinical wisdom with a deep understanding of food as a tool for transformation.

Colin is also a board member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the host of Thrive Bites, a podcast where he explores the intersection of health, purpose, and mindful living. His mission is to help individuals and communities reconnect with the root of health — through food, joy, and intentional living.

Whether he’s in the kitchen or the clinic, Dr. Zhu is known for making wellness both practical and inspiring. His upcoming collaborative cookbook, Empowered Kitchen (set for 2026), invites readers to reclaim their health through accessible, nourishing meals rooted in cultural connection and culinary creativity.

Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe (Men’s Peak or Plant Based) for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com

Dr. Rak here. When I first began to understand the connection between food and health, I was already a doctor.

I had written prescriptions, treated chronic conditions, and checked every box our system told me to check. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something essential was missing—that we were managing disease, not healing people.

And then I found doctors like Michael Klaper, who I’m so delighted to welcome to The Feast.

He’s also now on a mission to do what our medical schools never did: teach future doctors the tools that actually heal.

In our conversation today we discuss:

The moment that changed everything in his medical practice

Why most doctors are still unknowingly keeping their patients sick

His take on GLP-1 drugs, the carnivore diet, fasting, and the longevity hype

And the one medical myth that still drives him crazy

Underscoring all of this, we talk about what it means to practice medicine with integrity and soul. What it means to see the patient in front of you not as a case to manage… but as a person to support.

If you’ve ever felt like there has to be a better way to do healthcare, this conversation is for you.

And hey—if you make it to the end of the episode, or even just this note—I just want to say thank you. I don’t take your time or presence here for granted. If the episode moved you or made you think, I’d love if you left a quick review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps others find The Health Feast and be part of this bigger conversation.

Live well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak 👊🏽

Dr. Michael Klaper is a physician, teacher, and internationally recognized pioneer in the field of lifestyle medicine. After practicing acute care and traditional medicine for years, he shifted his focus to plant-based nutrition and disease reversal.

He served on staff at the TrueNorth Health Center and has worked with NASA on nutrition for space colonists. Today, he lectures at medical schools across the country through his nonprofit initiative, Moving Medicine Forward, helping shape a new generation of doctors trained in the fundamentals of food and lifestyle as medicine.

🔗 Website: doctorklaper.com

🎓 Moving Medicine Forward: movemedicineforward.org

📺 YouTube Channel: Michael Klaper, MD

📷 Instagram: @doctorklaper

🐦 Twitter/X: @doctorklaper

📘 Book: Coming Soon (Dr. Klaper is currently working on a book chronicling his decades in medicine and lifestyle change.)

(00:00) - Moving Medicine Forward

(10:48) - The Power of Plant-Based Diets

(20:44) - Transforming Health Through Plant-Based Diets

(26:29) - Shifting to Plant-Based Nutrition

(32:10) - Exploring Health Trends and Longevity Science

(41:41) - The Power of Fasting and Food

(54:40) - Plant-Based Nutrition in Medical Education

(01:06:50) - Embracing Kindness Through Plant-Based Nutrition

(01:13:12) - Unity in Advancing Health Movement

Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.

👊🏽 Join the RAK ON Tribe for live sessions (strength training, breathwork, cook-alongs) + giveaways. Start for free at https://community.rakyourlife.com/

Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe (Men’s Peak or Plant Based) for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com

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.

If you’ve been enjoying The Health Feast, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It helps others find the show—and keeps this Feast growing.

Dr. Robyn Tiger knows this firsthand. Years ago, she was a practicing radiologist with what looked like a perfect life on paper—two kids, a great career, a supportive husband. But behind the scenes, her body was breaking down. Migraines, digestive issues, numbness, anxiety… she went to specialists, ran every test, and took every medication. Nothing helped.

The real diagnosis? Chronic stress.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into Robyn’s journey of healing and how she now helps others reclaim their health through simple, science-backed tools. Robyn is a double board-certified physician, certified yoga therapist, life coach, and the founder of StressFreeMD. I met her through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, where she is a leading expert on mind body medicine, and leads breathwork, yoga, and mindfulness sessions.

The hidden ways chronic stress shows up in the body (and why 90% of symptoms seen in primary care have stress as a root cause)

Emotional buffering—why we numb stress with food, alcohol, or overwork, and how to break the cycle

The yoga class that shifted everything for Robyn—and why it worked

Why physician burnout is not a personal failing, but a systemic issue

Practical, evidence-based tools you can use to feel better now (and yes, she guides us through one of them in the episode!)

Robyn’s story is a reminder that feeling better isn’t just possible—it’s a choice. And sometimes, the first step is simply learning how to breathe again.

Live Well and RAK ON,

Guest Bio

Dr. Robyn Tiger, MD, DipABLM, is a double board-certified physician in Diagnostic Radiology and Lifestyle Medicine, a certified life coach, and a yoga and meditation therapist. She is the founder of StressFreeMD, where she helps physicians and other busy professionals reverse the effects of chronic stress using evidence-based, practical tools.

Once a high-achieving radiologist whose own health was unraveling—migraines, digestive issues, anxiety, even dark thoughts—Robyn transformed her life after discovering the root cause was unrelenting stress. Her journey led her to train extensively in yoga therapy, meditation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and lifestyle medicine.

Now, through her coaching, courses, and popular StressFreeMD Podcast, she empowers others to break free from emotional buffering, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim their health and joy.

Website: www.stressfreemd.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stressfreemd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyntigermd/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:30 – Listener Review

00:02:30 – Guest Introduction

00:05:00 – Chronic Stress Impact

00:10:00 – Personal Health Journey

00:15:00 – Yoga’s Role in Healing

00:20:00 – Meditation Benefits

00:25:00 – Healthcare System Issues

00:30:00 – Stress in Medical Training

00:35:00 – Practical Tools for Stress Relief

00:40:00 – Guided Breathing Exercise

00:45:00 – Life Philosophy

Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.

👊🏽 Join the RAK ON Tribe for live sessions (strength training, breathwork, cook-alongs) + giveaways. Start for free at https://community.rakyourlife.com/

Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe (Men’s Peak or Plant Based) for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com

That’s the question I explore in this episode with Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA. He’s a board-certified ENT, Director of Guidelines and Quality at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and one of the most published ENT researchers in the world—with nearly 400 peer-reviewed articles to his name.

But what really sets Rich apart is his personal story.

In his mid-50s, he hit a turning point—and decided to change course. He adopted a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. Picked up strength training again after decades off. Started running. Now, in his 60s, he’s finished 10 marathons, lifts consistently, and says he feels sharper and more alive than ever.

What sparked Rich’s midlife transformation

How he fuels, trains, and recovers today

Strength training after 50 and the role of protein and creatine

His honest take on GLP-1 meds (like Wegovy and Zepbound) for weight loss

And how mindset, curiosity, and purpose fuel long-term change

We also talk about the culture of medicine—and what it’ll take to build a system that actually supports health, not just disease management.

This conversation is full of science-backed insight and lived experience. And it’s a story that reminds you what’s possible—no matter your starting point.

Live well and RAK ON,

Guest Bio

Dr. Richard Rosenfeld is a board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and a distinguished academic with nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to clinical guideline development and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Rosenfeld currently serves as the Director of Guidelines and Quality at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for lifestyle change—not only professionally, but personally. After adopting a whole food, plant-based lifestyle in his mid-50s, he returned to strength training, took up distance running, and has since completed 10 marathons. His work bridges rigorous clinical science with a deep personal commitment to preventive and lifestyle-based care.

Timestamps:

Chapters

00:00 Teaser and Episode Intro

Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.

👊🏽 Join the RAK ON Tribe for live sessions (strength training, breathwork, cook-alongs) + giveaways. Start for free at https://community.rakyourlife.com/

Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe (Men’s Peak or Plant Based) for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com

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.

In this episode of The Health Feast, I sit down with Dean Pohlman, founder of Man Flow Yoga and host of The Better Man Podcast. Dean’s work has helped 1000s of men build mobility, strength, and confidence—but more than that, he’s created space for something deeper: what he calls courageous authenticity.

I’ve had a tremendous personal experience with Dean's program. In my 40s, when the aches started creeping in—back, knees, hips—I finally committed to a short daily practice. Just 15 minutes a day for three months, and everything shifted: less pain, better movement, and a whole new relationship with my body. Yoga is now a regular part of my rhythm, and I largely owe that to Dean and Man Flow Yoga—which makes it all the more meaningful to share this conversation with you.

Dean’s story—from accidentally stumbling into a Bikram class to creating one of the most accessible fitness-focused yoga communities for men

Why so many men struggle to slow down—and what we’re really running from

What it means to fall off track with our self-care—and the power of “getting back into it”

How identity change starts with small wins and self-trust

The power of courageous authenticity—why vulnerability might just be the key to real strength

The power of creating spaces where men can connect, reflect, and talk about what really matters

If something in you knows it’s time to come back to yourself—this is a good place to start. Gently. Honestly. On your terms.

Live well and RAK ON,

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He’s also the host of The Better Man Podcast, where he explores what it really means to evolve as a man—physically, mentally, and emotionally. A former collegiate lacrosse player who stumbled into his first yoga class by accident, Dean went on to create one of the most recognizable male-focused yoga communities in the world.

He’s the author of two books—Yoga Fitness for Men and Yoga for Athletes—and a powerful advocate for redefining strength, not just as performance, but as presence and self-awareness.

Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.

In this episode of The Health Feast, Po and I sit down with Barbara Gates—a passionate educator, food activist, and founder of Healthy Kids Happy Planet. Barbara has spent the last two decades on a mission to bring joy, culture, and plant-based nutrition into schools across the country.

Her journey began with a single act of advocacy as a mom pushing back on school milk policy—and grew into a statewide resolution promoting vegetarian meals, and eventually a nationally available classroom curriculum: Cool Beans from Around the World.

With her theater background and contagious spirit, Barbara shows up in classrooms as “Queen Bean,” sings songs about lentils and legumes, and transforms nutrition education into a playful, empowering experience for kids of all backgrounds.

How school food policy became her unexpected calling

The power of culture and storytelling in changing eating habits

Why beans are nutritional superstars—and how to get kids excited about them

What it takes to create a truly “happy planet” through food education

Barbara doesn’t just talk about change—she embodies it, one classroom, one child, and yes… one bean at a time.

Live well and RAK ON,