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The Health Feast

The Health Feast

Written by: Dr. Rak
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About this listen

The Health Feast is a podcast about making good health feel joyous, communal, and abundant—like a feast. Hosted by Dr. Rak (short for Rakesh Jotwani), a board-certified internist and Lifestyle Medicine physician, the show dives deep into what truly supports well-being in real life. Each episode, Dr. Rak talks with physicians, chefs, athletes, artists, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to be healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Conversations are rooted in science, but never lose sight of heart, culture, and lived experience. Whether you’re working to reverse chronic disease, reconnect with purpose, or simply show up for your life with more energy, The Health Feast offers practical tools, fresh perspectives, and stories that nourish. New episodes weekly. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Live well and RAK ON.

2025 Dr. Rak Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Why Getting Healthier Feels Harder Than It Should with Dr. Regina Ragasa, DO, DipABOM, DipABLM

    Why Getting Healthier Feels Harder Than It Should with Dr. Regina Ragasa, DO, DipABOM, DipABLM
    Jan 7 2026

    Why does getting healthier feel harder than it should?

    With the new year upon us, a lot of us are thinking more seriously about our health goals.

    We’re paying attention. We’re putting in effort. And it’s frustrating when that effort doesn’t seem to translate into results.

    That frustration doesn’t just show up in January.

    It shows up anytime you decide your health matters.

    This week on The Health Feast, Po and I are joined by Dr. Regina Ragasa, a physician who works with patients every day who are doing “the right things” and still feeling stuck.

    Dr. Ragasa is triple board–certified in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine, and she helps patients achieve sustainable, compassionate weight loss by addressing root causes rather than quick fixes.

    In this episode, we explore:

    - Why so many well-intentioned health efforts stall, even when you’re working very hard to do everything right

    - What often gets missed beneath the surface when progress feels slower than expected

    - How small, meaningful shifts can completely change the trajectory of your health

    - Why protein quality matters more than most people realize

    - Why compassion is a practical ingredient for change that actually lasts

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying hard and still wondering what’s not clicking…

    If you’ve blamed yourself when things didn’t move the way you expected…

    This episode offers a steadier, more honest way forward.

    So if you’re putting in the effort and wondering what you might be missing, you’re in the right place.

    Live well and RAK ON,

    – Dr. Rak 👊🏽

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    About Regina Ragasa, DO, DAOBM, DipABLM

    Dr. Regina Ragasa is a physician triple boarded in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine who helps patients achieve sustainable weight loss and better overall health. Her work focuses on people who are genuinely trying to get healthier, often doing many of the “right things,” and still feeling stuck.

    She blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with practical, real-world care, emphasizing food quality, sustainable habits, and compassion rather than restriction or shame. Dr. Ragasa is especially known for helping patients rethink protein, navigate a challenging food environment, and make changes that actually fit into busy lives.

    Her approach blends evidence-based lifestyle medicine with practical clinical care, focusing on food quality, sustainable habits, and compassion rather than restriction or shame. Dr. Ragasa is especially known for helping people rethink protein, navigate a challenging food environment, and make changes that actually fit into busy, modern lives.

    In her work and teaching, she emphasizes that the problem is rarely a lack of effort or willpower, it’s often the system, the messaging, and the way we’ve been taught to define “healthy.” Her goal is to help people move forward with clarity, confidence, and tools that support lasting change.

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    🔗 Links + Resources

    • 📸 Instagram: CaliWellnessDoc

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Why Does Getting Healthier Feel So Hard?

    01:18 – “I’m Eating Clean… Why Am I Still Stuck?”

    04:31 – The Protein Mistake Almost Everyone Makes

    08:59 – The Patient Case That Changed Everything

    15:29 – Why “Just Try Harder” Doesn’t Work

    24:32 – You’re Not Broken — The Food System Is

    31:12 – Are Medications a Shortcut or a Tool?

    41:10 – Why Self-Compassion Is the Missing Skill

    50:59 – Health Is a Practice, Not a Finish Line
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    57 mins
  • The High Achiever's Guide to Self-Compassion with Jordana Confino, Professional Coach

    The High Achiever's Guide to Self-Compassion with Jordana Confino, Professional Coach
    May 27 2024
    In this episode of The Health Feast podcast, Dr. Rak welcomes Jordana Confino, a Yale Law School graduate, certified professional coach, and expert in positive psychology and well-being. Jordana shares her compelling journey from experiencing severe burnout in her legal career to transforming her life through self-compassion and positive psychology. The conversation delves into the impact of perfectionism on mental and physical health, and Jordana offers practical strategies for overcoming it. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with daily actions and how small, actionable steps can lead to significant changes in overall well-being. Additionally, Jordana discusses the link between perfectionism and chronic pain, offering insights into mind-body medicine and how positive psychology principles can address physical health issues. Join Dr. Rak for a deep dive into how self-compassion can lead to lasting success and well-being and discover transformative insights that can help you thrive both personally and professionally. Timestamps: 01:23 Dr. Rak’s Intro to the Episode 04:56 Exploring Moral Injury in Healthcare and Beyond 06:28 The Universal Struggle of High Achievers Across Industries 07:39 The Journey from Law School to Recognizing a Misaligned Dream 11:20 Unpacking the Roots of Perfectionism and Its Impact 19:53 The Transformational Power of Self-Compassion 25:19 Harnessing Self-Compassion for Personal and Professional Growth 42:45 Redefining Success: From Obsessive to Harmonious Passion 45:57 Unlocking Performance with Positive Psychology 47:32 Navigating the Demands of Law Careers: Strategies for New Attorneys 49:14 The Power of Self-Compassion and Boundaries in High-Pressure Jobs 53:05 Exploring Alternatives and Aligning Values in Your Career 59:08 The Link Between Perfectionism and Physical Health 01:01:24 Embracing Small Changes for Big Impact 01:08:49 Cultivating Connection and Gratitude in the Workplace 01:19:22 Self-Care as a Foundation for Helping Others 01:21:48 Bringing Self-Compassion to the Health Feast Online Platforms: JC Coaching and Consulting Jordana’s Blog: Chronicles of a Recovering Type A+ Perfectionist Connect with Jordana on LinkedIn Guest Bio Jordana is a certified professional coach, speaker, and advisor. She is valued for her expertise in positive psychology and well-being and her unparalleled ability to connect with and inspire everyone she meets. Seven years after graduating from Yale Law School, Jordana founded JC Coaching & Consulting to empower lawyers and other high-achieving professionals to transform their lives and work for the better. Having spent the bulk of her career working as a lawyer and in legal education at elite institutions, Jordana knows that many high-achieving, successful people hold limiting beliefs that prevent them from truly flourishing. For many years, she was one of them. Jordana transformed her life by leveraging the science of positive psychology and human motivation theory, and she is passionate about helping others do the same. Jordana is an Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School, where she previously served as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Professionalism. She teaches a course on Positive Lawyering, which educates students on harnessing positive psychology's insights and science-backed strategies to reach their highest potential and build meaningful, satisfying legal careers. She also teaches Peer Mentoring & Leadership, a one-of-a-kind course designed to equip mentors with the tools and training they need to optimally support their mentees and emerge as leaders in the profession. Jordana was voted Fordham Law Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2021. Education Yale Law School, JD Yale University, BA, Psychology NY Open Center, Certification in Applied Positive Psychology iPEC Coaching, CPC, CLDS, CTDS Int’l Coaching Federation, ACC Follow @thehealthfeast on IG and YT 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 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://www.thehealthfeast.com/rylemailsignup/ 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.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Redefining Health and Wellness with Jason Gootman, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist

    Redefining Health and Wellness with Jason Gootman, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist
    May 13 2024
    In an age where the complexities of healthcare often obscure the straightforward paths to wellness, one man’s dedication to truth and simplicity brings us back to the essentials of human health.

    In this episode of The Health Feast (Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube), Dr. Rak is joined by Jason Gootman, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, certified nutritionist, and certified exercise physiologist. He’s known for his refreshingly honest approach to health and well-being.

    Jason has profound insights into lifestyle medicine that challenge the prevailing norms of the healthcare system. He advocates for a model as straightforward as caring for a houseplant. Jason's philosophy is rooted in salutogenesis, which focuses on promoting health and well-being rather than merely treating disease.

    During our conversation, Jason shares his personal journey that shaped his professional ethos—a journey marked by early struggles with body image and excessive exercise, leading to his transformative approach to balanced health. His story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and holistic well-being.

    Jason’s holistic approach to wellness coaching integrates psychological motivation, intrinsic self-worth, and the practical implementation of healthy habits.

    He highlights how establishing a harmonious relationship with oneself is crucial in actualizing a life of wellness, and he advocates for a compassionate, needs-based approach to health.

    Our discussion also delves into Jason's views on the healthcare industry, prompting us to reconsider the conventional approach to health and wellness practices.

    This conversation bridges the gap between complex medical systems and the innate simplicity of living well. Jason's articulate, thoughtful dialogue offers not just food for thought but a veritable feast for the soul, encouraging us all to embrace a lifestyle that genuinely nurtures health and happiness.

    Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by Jason Gootman’s visionary perspective on health, wellness, and the journey to a more harmonious life.

    Takeaways

    • Taking care of the inside and outside are concomitant and interconnected.

    • Identifying needs and taking action to meet those needs leads to a sense of harmony with oneself.

    • Real self-love involves engaging in behaviors that truly benefit one's well-being.

    • Framing healthy behaviors as gifts rather than chores enhances motivation and enjoyment.

    • Taking small steps, building self-identity, and celebrating small wins are key to sustainable behavior change.

    • A new system that focuses on holistic wellness is needed, and the public plays a crucial role in driving this change. The current healthcare system needs to change to prioritize prevention and lifestyle medicine.

    • Health coaches can play a crucial role in making behavior changes and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.

    • Lifestyle medicine emphasizes self-harmony and well-being, which is often overlooked in traditional healthcare.

    • The shift towards lifestyle medicine requires patient participation and the normalization of guidance and support.

    Timestamps: 00:00 Teaser Clip 00:01:02 Dr. Rak’s Intro 00:03:50 Meet Jason Gutman: The Good Kind of Troublemaker 00:06:26 The Philosophy of Salutogenesis vs. Pathogenesis 00:09:31 Jason's Personal Wellness Journey: From Overweight Teen to Wellness Coach 00:17:34 The Power of Self-Love and Lifestyle Medicine 00:24:51 Navigating the Complexities of Self-Care and Emotional Eating 00:32:00 Finding Joy in Healthy Behaviors: The Shift from Chore to Gift 00:37:58 Unlocking Motivation for Exercise 00:39:18 The Power of Small Steps in Lifestyle Change 00:40:18 Building a Positive Self-Identity Through Incremental Wins 00:40:47 The Role of Awareness and Identity in Wellness 00:41:23 Transformative Anecdotes: Personal and Family Wellness Journeys 00:42:47 Challenging Extreme Diet and Exercise Cultures 00:45:53 Creating a New System for Health and Wellness 00:52:20 The Importance of Personal Effort in Wellness Coaching 00:56:42 The Ripple Effect of Lifestyle Changes 01:00:05 Normalizing Support and Guidance in Wellness 01:01:57 Envisioning a Healthier Society Through Individual Change 01:09:31 Closing Thoughts and the Future of Wellness

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    1 hr and 15 mins
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