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
  • Finding Purpose and Presence with Dr. Jessie Mahoney

    Finding Purpose and Presence with Dr. Jessie Mahoney
    Dec 16 2024
    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, Dr. Rak 👊🏽 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: (00:00) Embracing Mindfulness for Physician Wellness (08:45) Navigating Burnout in Various Professions (18:51) Shifting Mindsets for Personal Empowerment (24:30) Shifting Perspectives for Personal Fulfillment (27:40) Navigating Change With Mindfulness and Compassion (33:09) Nourishing Transformation Through Self-Compassion (45:39) Mindful Career Alignment and Personal Fulfillment (50:19) Embracing Mindful Career Transition (01:01:12) Exploring Yoga for Mind-Body Connection (01:07:11) Healing Practices for Health Professionals (01:19:17) Feasting on Health and Wellness Links: Dr. Mahoney’s Website The Mindful Healers Podcast 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.
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • From Hardship to Healing with Dr. Gebre Nida, MD, FACE, DipABLM

    From Hardship to Healing with Dr. Gebre Nida, MD, FACE, DipABLM
    Apr 15 2024

    In this episode, Po and Dr. Rak welcome Dr. Gebre Nida, MD, FACE, DipABLM, whose remarkable journey from the rugged terrains of rural Ethiopia to the forefront of lifestyle medicine in North Carolina epitomizes resilience and transformative care. Born in a village without electricity, Dr. Nida walked hours to school daily, a testament to his commitment to education and betterment. Now a triple board-certified endocrinologist, he integrates lifestyle medicine into his practice, profoundly impacting patients battling chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. In this episode, Dr. Nida shares his personal story and professional insights, demonstrating how deep empathy and dedicated care can revolutionize healthcare. Listen as we explore how overcoming extreme obstacles equipped him to change lives through a unique blend of medicine and compassion.

    Takeaways

    • Perseverance and determination are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

    • Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and open doors to opportunities.

    • Community support and mentorship play a crucial role in helping individuals reach their full potential.

    • Gratitude and a positive mindset can help navigate difficult circumstances and fuel personal growth. Lifestyle medicine is a powerful approach to healthcare that focuses on empowering patients to take control of their health through healthier living.

    • Lowering systemic inflammation is key to healing the body and preventing chronic diseases.

    • Prioritizing self-care, including exercise and a healthy diet, is essential for healthcare professionals to lead by example and effectively promote lifestyle medicine.

    • Addressing chronic diseases requires a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and social connections.

    Timestamps: 00:00 A Glimpse into a Challenging Childhood 00:56 Meeting Gebre: A Journey of Transformation 06:15 Gebre’s Origin Story: From Rural Ethiopia to Medical Excellence 08:18 The Struggles and Triumphs of Pursuing Education 12:25 The Journey to Becoming a Board Certified Physician in the U.S. 37:57 Embracing a New Perspective on Medicine and Health 45:30 Challenging the Status Quo: A Doctor's Transformation 51:20 Revolutionizing Diabetes Management with Lifestyle Medicine 52:03 The Power of 10-Minute Consultations 52:56 Preparing for Patient Encounters: A Personalized Approach 55:13 Empowering Patients in Rural North Carolina 55:49 Overcoming Systemic Resistance to Lifestyle Medicine 01:04:25 Personal Journey: From Burnout to Empowerment 01:11:09 The Impact of Lifestyle Medicine Beyond the Clinic 01:11:47 Balancing Professional Commitment and Self-Care 01:25:26 The Future of Medicine: A Call to Action 01:28:33 Closing Thoughts: Food as the Foundation of Health

    Online Platforms: Connect with Dr. Nida on LinkedIn

    Guest Bio: Gebreselassie (Gebre) Nida, MD, is a full-time general endocrinology practitioner in North Carolina. He is board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, and lifestyle medicine.

    He was born and raised in Ethiopia, where he attended undergraduate and medical school. He did his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism in Michigan.

    Dr. Nida always attempts to provide compassionate, comprehensive, patient-centered assistance in patients' healthcare decisions. He practices evidence-based medicine and, as much as he can, engages patients in sometimes serious discussions to clear up myths and misinformation.

    Dr. Nida is a member of many medical societies, including the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, North Carolina Medical Society, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He is the chair of the Cone Health lifestyle medicine steering committee.

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

    Have a question or comment for Dr. Rak and Po? You can submit them on our website https://www.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.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • How Shame Sabotages Your Health Journey with Ocean Robbins

    How Shame Sabotages Your Health Journey with Ocean Robbins
    Nov 18 2025
    What if the biggest barrier to healing… is the belief that you’re broken? So many of us are doing everything right — eating better, moving more, trying to fix our health — but deep down, we’re carrying a quiet belief that we’re not enough. That our body is the problem. That healing has to come through restriction, guilt, or perfection. But what if real change begins not with feeling shame — but love? In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ocean Robbins, CEO of the Food Revolution Network, for a deep, honest conversation about what it means to root health in compassion — not shame. Ocean is the son of John Robbins, who famously walked away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to write Diet for a New America. Ocean has forged his own path — helping millions transform their relationship with food and health to experience what truly matters to us in life. In this episode we explore: Why so many people feel like they’re failing at health How Ocean’s upbringing shaped his values and mission The tension between grief, perfectionism, and purpose What it means to choose love — again and again This conversation was one of our most soulful and resonant yet — and I’m so glad to have Po back for it. You’re definitely in for a treat. So whether you’ve felt stuck, not enough, and are looking for a gentler path forward — this episode is for you. Until next time… Live well and RAK ON, – Dr. Rak 👊🏽 About Ocean Robbins Ocean Robbins is the CEO of Food Revolution Network, a global movement dedicated to healthy, ethical, and sustainable food for all. He’s the son of John Robbins, who famously walked away from the Baskin-Robbins empire to author Diet for a New America. Ocean has carried forward that legacy while forging his own powerful path — helping millions reclaim their relationship with food and root their health journey in compassion, not shame. He’s also the author of the best-selling book 31-Day Food Revolution, and a deeply thoughtful leader in the food justice space, blending science, systems thinking, and soul. 🔗 Links + Resources 🌎 Website: foodrevolution.org 📕 Book: 31-Day Food Revolution 📸 Instagram (Org): @foodrevolutionnetwork 🧠 More from Ocean: Blog + Resources 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM me, Dr. Rak, on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife, or here on Substack. Reset Your Mind in 60 Minutes — Live Breathwork with Yang this Sunday! 👉 Register Here If you’ve been running on empty — mentally, emotionally, or just trying to keep it all together — this is for you. We’re bringing back Yang, my yoga teacher in Panama, for a powerful community breathwork session designed to help you release stress, clear the mental clutter, and reconnect with yourself. 🧘‍♂️ What to Expect in the 1-hour Session: A grounding introduction to settle your nervous system A 45-minute guided sequence using breath, gentle movement, and mindfulness A full-body reset that leaves you clearer, calmer, and more energized Details: 🗓 Next session: This Sunday, 11/23/25 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: BREATH 👉 Register Here 📍 No experience required. Find a quiet space, grab a mat or blanket, and bring an open mind. If your body’s been asking for a pause — a real pause — this is your invitation. 👊🏽 Get Strong for Life in the Comfort of Your Own Home What if getting strong didn’t have to feel like punishment? What if it could be joyous and fun? 👉 Register here That’s what we’re hosting Strong for Life — our virtual strength session designed for real-life function, balance, and confidence. Led by Coach Alexander Barrera, who brings equal parts physical therapy know-how, humor, and heart — so you’ll get stronger and have a blast doing it. 🗓 Next session: Sunday, 11/30/25 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 👊🏽 Want more? More strength. More support. More community. If that’s you, you can join the RAK ON Tribe and get access to: All Strong for Life classes All Live Mindful Meals with Dr. Rak cook-alongs Monthly Breathwork with Yang Coming soon: Monthly Q&A with Dr. Rak. Get your health questions answered. Event replays, recipes, meditations A supportive, plant-forward community A private space that makes health feel like a feast, not a fight 🍽️ Membership is $11/month or $99/year 🎁 First month free with code RAKON 👉 Join the RAK ON Tribe Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: What if the biggest barrier to healing… is believing you’re broken? 02:00 – Why so many of us carry shame in our health journey 06:45 – Ocean’s upbringing: from Baskin-Robbins legacy to food activism 13:10 – The link ...
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • What I Learned Walking 2 Million Steps in a Month (with Kwame Terra)

    What I Learned Walking 2 Million Steps in a Month (with Kwame Terra)
    Nov 4 2025
    Why do we start strong… and still end up stuck? (Watch on YouTube) To answer that, my guest today, Kwame Terra, did something no one else ever has. He walked over 2 million steps in 30 days — 66,000 steps a day. That’s more than a marathon’s distance daily, with no rest days. At the end of it, Kwame ended up setting a new world record. But this isn’t a story about crushing a record. It’s a conversation about what it takes to follow through — when no one’s watching, when you hit a wall, and when your old self is begging you to quit. In this episode, we unpack: Why motivation rarely lasts — and what to rely on instead The hardest part of walking 66K steps a day (it’s not what you think) How pain, rhythm, and emotional triggers show up in the body What Kwame learned about trusting himself again through movement Why “finishing something” can be more healing than we realize More than any record, this challenge was about reclaiming a sense of identity, integrity, and forward momentum — through walking. More from Kwame Terra: 👉 bEHR Health — a culturally grounded health platform for Black communities 📸 Instagram: @kwameterra 👍 Like this episode? Leave a comment with your biggest “aha” moment — and don’t forget to subscribe. Until next time… Live well and RAK ON, -Dr. Rak 👊🏽 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM me on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife, or leave a comment here on Substack. 🍽️ A Plant-Based Thanksgiving Cook-Along That Feels Like a Feast (Not a Sacrifice) This Sunday, November 9 What if your holiday meal could nourish your health and your soul? That’s the spirit of Mindful Meals, our monthly live cook-along with Dr. Rak. This month, we’re bringing a plant-based twist to Thanksgiving — with comforting, flavor-packed recipes that celebrate gratitude, community, and real nourishment. 🗓 Next session: Sunday, 11/09/25 at 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT 💻 Live on Zoom 🥘 WFPB recipes with no oil, no refined sugar — just real food 💵 $10 drop-in. Free for first-timers with code: MINDFUL 👉 Register here We’ll cook together: a savory mushroom-tofu holiday loaf smoky chipotle-orange cranberry sauce creamy pumpkin pie Plus bonus recipes for sprouted bread stuffing and maple-glazed Brussels sprouts. If you’ve been curious about plant-based holiday cooking — or just want to feel good about what you’re serving this year — this is a great place to start. And you certainly don’t have to cook along. In fact, many people join just for the entertainment value :) Come for the food, stay for the good vibes. 👊🏽 Get Strong at Home and Join the Tribe! What if getting strong didn’t have to feel like punishment? That’s what we’re hosting Strong for Life — our virtual strength session designed for real-life function, balance, and confidence. Led by Coach Alexander Barrera, who brings equal parts physical therapy know-how, humor, and heart — so you’ll get stronger and have a blast doing it. 🗓 Next session: Sunday, 11/16/25 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 👊🏽 Want more? More strength. More support. More community. If that’s you, you can join the RAK ON Tribe and get access to: All Strong for Life classes All Live Mindful Meals with Dr. Rak cook-alongs Monthly Breathwork with Yang Coming soon: Monthly Q&A with Dr. Rak. Get your health questions answered. Event replays, recipes, meditations A supportive, plant-forward community A private space that makes health feel like a feast, not a fight 🍽️ Membership is $11/month or $99/year 🎁 First month free with code RAKON 👉 Join the RAK ON Tribe Guest Bio Kwame Terra is a public health strategist, digital health entrepreneur, and founder of bEHR Health, a culturally grounded health platform designed to improve outcomes in Black communities through personalized insights, real-time support, and community-based care. With a background spanning global health, digital therapeutics, and racial equity, Kwame has advised startups, government agencies, and health systems on how to center equity and behavioral science in population health design. He’s been featured by organizations like Fast Company, Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for his work at the intersection of innovation and inclusion. In 2024, Kwame became the first person to complete the FeSteps Challenge, walking over 2 million steps in 30 consecutive days — a world-record feat rooted not in performance, but in healing, discipline, and finishing what he started. Timestamps 0:00 — Dr. Rak’s intro 0:02 — From App Idea to Walking Movement 0:06 — The First Brutal Days: Pain, Fuel & Headaches 0:09 — What Actually Got Him Through: Mindset & Mentors 0:13 — ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The Doctor Who Says Healthcare Is Killing Us with Dr. Todd Otten

    The Doctor Who Says Healthcare Is Killing Us with Dr. Todd Otten
    Oct 7 2025
    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. And if it resonates, the best way you can support us is to: ✅ Share the episode with someone who needs to hear it ✅ Leave a quick review ✅ Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next Until next time… Live well and RAK ON, -Dr. Rak 👊🏽 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM me on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife, or leave a comment on Substack. 👋 Join Our Free Community 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. It’s free to join, and signing up gives you access to both the event and the ongoing community. Sign up for free here Guest Bio Dr. Todd R. Otten, MD, FAAFP is a board-certified family physician, Navy veteran, author, and healthcare reform advocate with over 20 years of clinical and leadership experience. After serving as a Naval Flight Surgeon and later leading as a chief of staff and ACO medical director, Dr. Otten saw how deeply the healthcare system was failing both patients and clinicians. In response, he co-authored Ripple of Change with one of his patients — a unique and honest look at burnout, moral injury, and the urgent need for systemic change. He is also the executive producer of the upcoming documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup, which exposes the hidden toll of staying silent in a broken system. Through his work, Dr. Otten is helping spark a conversation about how healthcare can heal — from the inside out. He lives in Michigan with his wife and four children. 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.
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    47 mins