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What if the most powerful medicine for your health wasn’t found in a bottle — but under your feet, in the trees above, and in the sky stretching out before you?
Dr. Melissa Sundermann is a lifestyle medicine physician, endurance athlete, and passionate advocate for reconnecting with the natural world. In this inspiring episode of The Health Feast, we explore how nature isn’t just a backdrop to our busy lives — it’s a potent, evidence-based healing force. Drawing from her own journey as a runner, explorer, and plant-based physician, Dr. Sundermann invites us to remember what we’ve always known deep down: we are wired for the wild.
We discuss:
Why nature should be part of your wellness prescription
The science behind how time outdoors lowers stress and boosts immunity
The mindset shift that happens when we move outside
Tips for reconnecting with nature in daily life — even in urban settings
How Dr. Sundermann lives in rhythm with the seasons and what it’s taught her about health
This conversation is a breath of fresh air — a gentle nudge to step outside, slow down, and remember what it feels like to belong.
🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Follow Dr. Melissa Sundermann:
🔗 Instagram: @motivatormelissa | @thedoctoroutdoors
Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.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.
What if eating healthier wasn’t about restriction—but about gaining more energy, better health, and a deeper connection to food?
Rachael Brown knows this transformation firsthand. Despite believing she was eating well, she faced serious health challenges that weren’t improving. But one shift changed everything—not just for her, but for her entire family. She reversed major health concerns, helped her loved ones embrace a plant-based lifestyle without resistance, and turned her passion into a mission to help others do the same.
Rachael is the author of For Fork’s Sake, a speaker, and an instructor who helps families make realistic, joyful changes to the way they eat.
In this episode, we discuss:
Tune in for an insightful conversation that just might change the way you think about food.
Hey there, Health Feast listeners! Dr. Rak here, and in this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Marsha-Gail Davis to The Feast.
You may know her as Dr. D, a board-certified physician, a leader in Lifestyle Medicine, and a fierce advocate for health equity. She’s someone who brings an incredible mix of energy, creativity, and passion to everything she does—and let me tell you, it’s contagious.
In this episode, we get into:
And one of the boldest and most memorable ways Marsha-Gail has delivered her message? WACK.
💡 WACK is a hip-hop music video that’s part health advocacy, part creative masterpiece, and all passion. It’s more than just a creative outlet—it’s a call to action. It’s powerful, it’s unforgettable, and it’s going to leave you thinking.
Marsha-Gail is not just discussing change—she’s actively making it happen. From group visits in primary care to using music and media to engage people in innovative ways, she’s challenging the system and inspiring others to follow suit. This conversation is filled with passion, actionable ideas, and ample inspiration to help you reimagine what healthcare could look like.
Live well and RAK on,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
Timestamps:
(00:23) - Dr. Rak’s Intro
(04:17) - Passion for Health Equity and Lifestyle
(09:10) - Personal Journey to Lifestyle Medicine
(17:40) - Transforming Healthcare Through Lifestyle Medicine
(26:50) - Healthcare Transformation Towards Community Wellness
(39:51) - Leveraging Creativity in Healthcare Advocacy
(48:59) - Building Community Health Equity Through Influence
(01:03:58) - Appreciation and Farewell Greetings
Currently, Dr. Davis practices at Piedmont Primary Care in Georgia, where she integrates lifestyle medicine into patient care, emphasizing preventive strategies to combat chronic illness. A firm believer in health equity, she works to bridge the gap in healthcare access and outcomes, advocating for structural changes that prioritize prevention, education, and holistic patient care.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Davis is a dynamic voice in health advocacy and creative storytelling. She is the creator of WACK!, a powerful and provocative hip-hop music video that exposes the dysfunction in the food and healthcare industries, using art and music as tools for social change. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Big Picture Learning, an organization focused on innovative education models that empower students.
Known online as Dr. D, she shares engaging health content through social media, blending evidence-based medicine, cultural awareness, and practical advice to inspire people to take charge of their health. With an unwavering commitment to changing the conversation around healthcare, Dr. Davis is a leading force in reimagining medicine as a tool for true health and empowerment.
Online Platforms:
Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe 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 week’s episode of The Health Feast, I sit down with Dinesh Chandra, co-founder of the Global Wellbeing Network and a coach for personal transformation. Dinesh has spent his life helping individuals and organizations align their values, actions, and purpose, drawing from decades of leadership experience and a deeply personal journey of transformation.
Our conversation is deeply personal. Dinesh was a profound source of wisdom and compassion during one of the most challenging times of my life—last year when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. His presence and insights left an indelible mark on me, and I’m excited to share them with you.
In this episode, we discuss:
The moment of personal tragedy that shifted Dinesh’s life from head to heart.
His life-changing conversation with the Dalai Lama about redefining true wealth.
Practical tools for designing environments and habits that foster lasting joy and well-being.
The importance of authentic connection and how Dinesh’s retreats help people find it.
How organizations can create cultures of compassion and purpose where employees thrive.
Navigating life’s crises with clarity, love, and intention.
This episode offers the perfect inspiration to align your life with purpose and joy as we step into the new year. Dinesh’s insights are powerful and practical, reminding us that love, purpose, and connection are the foundations of a life well-lived.
Live well and RAK ON,
Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.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.
On this episode of The Health Feast, Po and Dr. Rak are delighted to welcome Dr. Jessie Mahoney.
Dr. Jessie Mahoney is a physician, mindfulness coach, yoga teacher, and host of The Mindful Healers podcast. Jessie and I go way back—we worked together for years at Kaiser Permanente, where she led transformative efforts in physician wellness. In fact, she was the catalyst for my own journey into mindfulness, which completely changed my life. Her leadership and wisdom sparked a pivotal moment for me—one that continues to shape my life to this day.
In this conversation, Jessie shares her personal journey of leaving medicine to follow her true calling: empowering others to find alignment and joy through mindfulness, coaching, and yoga. We delve into her courageous decision to transition out of clinical practice, the profound impact of mindfulness on personal and professional well-being, and the ripple effect her work has had on so many lives—including mine.
Jessie offers practical wisdom on overcoming burnout, reframing our relationship with work and purpose, and finding small, meaningful ways to nurture ourselves every day. We also talk about her retreats, her partnership with her husband as they build a new life and business centered on healing and growth, and how yoga can be a gateway to greater awareness and self-compassion.
Jessie’s story reminds us of the transformative power of mindfulness and how small, intentional shifts can ripple out to create meaningful change in our lives. Her work is a testament to the idea that when we align with our purpose and prioritize presence, we heal ourselves and uplift those around us. This episode is filled with practical insights, heartfelt moments, and the wisdom to help you create a truly aligned and fulfilling life.
Live well and RAK ON,
Takeaways
Take control of your own well-being and make changes within your control.
Align with your purpose and passion to find fulfillment in your career.
Practice mindfulness to manage your mindset and navigate uncertainty.
Accept the reality of the system you work in, but focus on what you can change.
Start with small steps and embrace the unknown when making career transitions. Practicing mindfulness helps balance the nervous system and creates a space for change.
Being kind to oneself and practicing self-compassion is essential for making lasting changes.
Meeting basic needs and nourishing oneself is crucial for successful change.
Personal change can inspire loved ones to make their own changes.
Taking small steps and investing in oneself can help overcome the fear of financial instability when making career changes. Self-care and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation are essential for healthcare professionals to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Men may face unique challenges in accessing and embracing yoga, but it can be a beneficial practice for them as well.
Creating a life that feels good and nourishing oneself is important in order to better serve others.
Finding a supportive community and seeking out resources like online yoga classes can help individuals incorporate self-care practices into their daily lives.
Timestamps:
Links:
Follow @thehealthfeast on Instagram and YouTube for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
Have a question or comment for Dr. Rak and Po? You can submit them on our website https://www.thehealthfeast.com
- Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a Tribe for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
- Elevate your Mondays! Elevate your week with Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness. Subscribe to RAK ON for weekly inspiration: https://rakyourlife.substack.com/about
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.
How do we create a healthcare system that prioritizes wellness, equity, and connection? In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak sits down with Dr. Seth Berkowitz, a leading voice in health equity, to explore the root causes of health disparities and the systemic barriers that perpetuate them. Together, they discuss actionable solutions to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Dr. Berkowitz shares insights from his groundbreaking research on food as medicine, the impact of income inequality on health outcomes, and what we can learn from healthcare systems around the world. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can move beyond illness care and focus on true health care for all. If you're curious about the future of equitable healthcare and practical steps toward creating a healthier society, this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamps:
Links:
Follow @thehealthfeast on Instagram and YouTube for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
Have a question or comment for Dr. Rak and Po? You can submit them on our website https://www.thehealthfeast.com
- Level up your health journey! Learn how to join a health Tribe for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
- Elevate your Mondays! Elevate your week with Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness. Subscribe to RAK ON for weekly inspiration: https://rakyourlife.substack.com/about
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.
Join Dr. Rak and Po as they sit down with longevity expert and Ironman triathlete Scott Fulton, who offers a fresh and inspiring perspective on aging. Together, they explore how we can confront aging challenges early, adopting a proactive stance that contrasts with society’s fear-driven anti-aging narrative. Scott champions the idea of embracing aging as a rewarding phase of life, underscoring the importance of investing in physical, mental, and social well-being—and the vital role curiosity and connection play in a fulfilling life as we grow older.
The discussion also takes a critical look at Western ideologies around aging, contrasting them with communal traditions that view aging as a natural and celebrated process. Reflecting on the impact of industrialization and suburbanization, Dr. Rak, Po, and Scott emphasize the need to rebuild intergenerational support systems by learning from cultures that prioritize strong family bonds and community ties.
The episode concludes with a look at Scott’s concept of "WHealthspan," the name of his book and an approach that integrates health and wealth to redefine successful aging. Scott shares his own story of transformation from a sedentary lifestyle to competing in Ironman races at 47, challenging stereotypes around aging and athleticism. Together, they unpack the importance of career transitions, financial responsibility, and the impact of technology on cognitive health, encouraging listeners to engage in proactive planning and meaningful conversations around aging and end-of-life considerations.
(00:00) - Teaser Clip
(00:29) - Introducing Scott Fulton
(13:04) - Navigating Western Ideologies and Aging
(21:09) - Exploring WHealthspan and Aging Perspectives
(27:09) - Planning for Health and Housing
(42:08) - Rediscovering Endurance Sports and Aging
(48:27) - Endurance Journey and Shifting Goals
(55:16) - Career Transitions and Financial Responsibility
(01:01:12) - Technology, Aging, and Curiosity
(01:14:49) - Preparing for Aging and Care Planning
(01:22:23) - Healing Conversations and Life Values
Online Platforms:
Follow @thehealthfeast on Instagram and YouTube for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
Have a question or comment for Dr. Rak and Po? You can submit them on our website https://www.thehealthfeast.com
- Level up your health journey! Learn how to work with Dr. Rak 1:1 or join a health coaching Tribe for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
- Elevate your Mondays! Elevate your week with Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness. Subscribe to RAK ON for weekly inspiration: https://rakyourlife.substack.com/about
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.
What if your greatest struggle became your greatest strength? In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak and Po engage in a powerful conversation with Tim Kaufman, who shares his remarkable transformation from addiction, chronic pain, and obesity to reclaiming his life through small, purposeful changes. Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Tim once faced a grim prognosis, but his journey to health started with a single step. The episode explores how Tim overcame addiction, embraced a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle, and how gratitude, purpose, and mindset played pivotal roles in his recovery. This episode is an inspiring deep dive into the process of change, resilience, and the profound connection between our health and the choices we make each day.
Timestamps:
01:20 Dr. Rak's Intro
Online Platforms:
Follow @thehealthfeast on Instagram and YouTube for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
Have a question or comment for Dr. Rak and Po? You can submit them on our website https://www.thehealthfeast.com
- Level up your health journey! Learn how to work with Dr. Rak 1:1 or join a health coaching Tribe for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
- Elevate your Mondays! Elevate your week with Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness. Subscribe to RAK ON for weekly inspiration: https://rakyourlife.substack.com/about
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 enlightening episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak and Po are joined by Dr. Tom Rifai, MD, FACP, a pioneering leader in lifestyle medicine and the creator of the Flex5 system. With a refreshing approach to health and wellness, Dr. Rifai shares his journey from overcoming personal struggles with binge eating to becoming a vocal advocate for truth in the wellness industry.
Together, they dive into the myths and misinformation that dominate today's health landscape, offering listeners practical insights on how to navigate these challenges. Dr. Rifai discusses the importance of finding your "why" in health, the transformative power of self-love, and how his Flex5 system empowers individuals to achieve sustainable, long-term well-being.
Whether you're seeking to cut through the noise of fad diets or looking for inspiration on your wellness journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice and powerful insights that will help you embrace true health.
00:48 Dr. Rak's Intro to the Guest
He has served as the Regional Medical Director of Metabolic Health and Weight Management at the Henry Ford Health System, where he led efforts to standardize and integrate multidisciplinary care based on his Reality Meets Science® program. This program, centered on the 5 Keys to optimal wellness, has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many.
Dr. Rifai is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University and a Harvard Medical School Continuing Medical Education (CME) course director, where he has educated thousands of healthcare providers on the prevention of type 2 diabetes. His contributions to the field have earned him the title of Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Rifai is a passionate educator, public speaker, and media contributor, with appearances on TV, radio, and in print. His personal journey, including overcoming challenges with binge eating, adds a layer of empathy and insight to his coaching and patient care, making him a trusted expert and a relatable mentor in the pursuit of health and wellness.
Level up your health journey! Learn how to work with Dr. Rak 1:1 or join a health Tribe 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.
Discover the secrets to living a fulfilling life full of vitality with Bob and Fran German, a remarkable couple in their 80s who have redefined healthy aging. In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak and Po dive into Bob and Fran's inspiring journey from battling chronic illnesses to achieving vibrant health through a holistic lifestyle. They discuss how a plant-based diet, mindfulness practices, and staying active have transformed their lives. Bob and Fran also share their experiences teaching Tai Chi and Qigong, volunteering, and fighting human trafficking. Gain practical tips, heartwarming stories, and insights into the essence of true vitality and joyful living at any age.
Guest Bio
Bob and Fran have faced and overcome significant health challenges, transforming their lives through a commitment to holistic well-being. They strongly believe that aging does not have to mean declining health. Instead, they advocate for being proactive about health through research, alternative methods, and lifestyle changes. This approach has enabled them to stay young in mind, body, heart, and spirit.
Their passion for helping others has driven them to share their knowledge and experiences, aiming to inspire and support others in leading healthier and happier lives. They emphasize the importance of living with purpose, staying active, reducing stress, and maintaining meaningful connections.
Through their website and YouTube channel, Bob and Fran continue to educate and motivate people around the world to embrace a vibrant and balanced lifestyle.
Level up your health journey! Learn how to work with Dr. Rak 1:1 or join a health Tribe for a transformative health journey. Limited spots are available! Visit us at https://www.rakyourlife.com
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