Ultramarathon Man Pt.1 Dean Karnazes

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World”, Ultramarathoner and NY Times best-selling author Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits. Among his many accomplishments, he has run 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days, completed the grueling Western States 100 mile run 13 times, run 262 miles without rest, and run across Death Valley in the famed Badwater Ultramarathon in the middle of summer (10 times). WOW!

He joins Dr. Melina on episode 23 of the Practically Healthy podcast to share his turning point of foregoing a lucrative but unsatisfying career to pursue his true passion of ultrarunning, the ups and downs of life as an ultramarathoner, and the philosophical lessons he has learned that unfold over 30 years of pushing his body beyond imagination.

A fascinating listen that will engage and inspire everyone- whether you love to run or not! To learn more about Dean and his book, “A Runner’s High”, visit UltraMarathonMan.com.

Ultramarathon Man Pt.2 Dean Karnazes

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

In part two of a special two part episode, Dr. Melina and ultramaratoner Dean Karnazes continue their fascinating conversation by discussing Dean’s approach to nutrition, and how his fueling strategies have evolved over time to maximize his performance and optimize aging as a celebrated endurance athlete.

Dean and Dr. Melina connect on his extensive use of herbs and spices and discuss how their benefits help optimize health and counteract the stress of endurance running (and daily life!) on the body.

Dean shares his practical tips for listeners to maximize their daily energy and continues to share stories from his career that are both thought provoking and entertaining.

Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode and plenty of Practically Healthy tips and insight from Dr. Melina!

The Biggest Loser Chef: Devin Alexander

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Chef on NBC’s The Biggest Loser, best selling author, and Dr. Melina’s longtime friend, Devin Alexander, joins to share her inspiring personal story and and unique approach to healthy cooking in episode 21 of the Practically Healthy Podcast.

As a 200 pound 15 year old, Devin began her journey making healthy swaps to the indulgent foods made by her Italian Grandmothers. Today, she continues to create decadent dishes, made over in her many best selling cookbooks for The Biggest Loser, along with other titles including Fast Food Fix which offers a “healthier” McDonald’s Big Mac dupe that may just be better than the original!

Devin’s shares practically healthy hacks even the most “cooking challenged” can employ and tips for busy moms to set their kids up for a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about Devin’s multitude of nutrition projects, visit her website at DevinAlexander.com

America’s Favorite Food Scientist: Dr. Taylor Wallace

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

This week on Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina is joined by her good friend and colleague and a man the Huffington Post called the “nation’s premier food and nutrition guru”…Dr. Taylor Wallace! Dr. Wallace is an actual food scientist and is an expert on food safety, supplements, and nutrition. Dr. Melina and Dr. Wallace explore how so many of us are often deficient in certain nutrients, such as magnesium and choline, and the unexpected negative health consequences. Dr. Wallace also share tips on choosing the right supplements (spoiler alert: you don’t have to spend a fortune!) Did you know that 70% of Americans are deficient in magnesium? Listen in and find out what you can do to be as healthy as possible…from a practical standpoint! To learn more about Dr. Wallace and his work, visit: DrTaylorWallace.com

Trainer To The Stars: Harley Pasternak

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

On this week’s episode of Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina welcomes celebrity trainer, nutritionist, best selling author – and friend – Harley Pasternak! Harley is the real deal, holding a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and Nutritional Sciences and an Honors Degree in Kinesiology – making him uniquely qualified as both a nutrition and fitness expert. Harley boasts the largest celebrity client roster in the industry and has worked with the likes of Halle Barry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, and more. He shares his unique approach to nutrition and fitness and debunks certain fad diets and fitness regimens that have become popular, without any basis in science. An intimate discussion with one of the world’s leading trainers! Follow Harley at @harleypasternak and learn more about Harley and his multitude of fitness and nutrition projects at HarleyPasternak.com.

Better Nutrition: Ashley Koff

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Dr. Melina’s guest on this weeks episode of Practically Healthy is internationally recognized dietician, Ashley Koff! Ashley Koff, RD has been recognized by Today’s Dietician Magazine as one of the top 10 registered dieticians, by CNN as one of the Top 100 Health Makers, and is an expert in assisting others in cultivating better nutrition, empowering them to figure out what their body needs to run at its best. Ashley and Dr. Melina discuss a number of examples that highlight the need for personalized nutrition approaches and dispel some of the sweeping and generalized bits of advice applied across the board to people categorized by certain health conditions or lifestyle choices. Another eye-opening, practical discussion that will make you re-examine your nutrition choices and beliefs about what is truly best for you. To learn more about Ashley Koff’s work and career, visit her website: AshleyKoffRD.com

Is Your Family Sugarproof?: Dr. Michael Goran

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

One of the world’s leading experts on childhood nutrition and obesity, Dr. Michael Goran, joins Dr. Melina on this week’s episode of Practically Healthy. Dr. Goran has worked for more than thirty years as a researcher and doctor and is the author of Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do. Get ready to rethink your ideas about what is truly healthy for you and your children as these two experts explore cutting-edge science and break it down in layman’s terms. Dr. Melina and Dr. Goran explore the surprising science behind the wild amounts of sugar in many kids (and adults) diets and the impact that it can have on their health. Learn more about Dr. Michael Goran’s book and his ground-breaking work here: SugarProofKids.com

Psychedelic Renaissance: Ronan Levy

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Dr. Melina’s guest on this weeks’ episode of Practically Healthy is Ronan Levy, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Field Trip Health and host of the Field Tripping Podcast! As one of the leading voices advocating for the expanded use of psychedelics and psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy, Ronan explains the renewed interest in applying substances such as Ketamine, Psilocybin, and MDMA to treat mental health conditions such PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more. He and Dr. Melina unpack the cultural and societal hesitancy around these substances and explore their various applications in clinical settings and their efficacy. To learn more about Ronan’s work and his thought-provoking Field Tripping Podcast, check him out on the web at: FieldTripping.fm

Understanding Hunger: Dr. Adrienne Youdim

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

This week on Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina is joined by Dr. Adrienne Youdim. She is a board certified internist who specializes in medical weight loss and nutrition and is the author of “Hungry For More”, a thought-provoking book that explores the nature of hunger and how the desire to lose weight is often indicative of a desire for something deeper. Dr. Melina and Dr. Youdim explore this fascinating concept and shed light on how the interplay between perfectionism and acceptance can help or hinder our weight-loss goals. Listen in for guidance on deciphering what it is in your life that is the driving force behind your hunger! To learn more about Dr. Youdim, her work, and her book, “Hungry For More”, visit her website here: DrAdrienneYoudim.com

Age Gracefully: Pete McCall

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Pete McCall, master trainer, host of the All About Fitness podcast, and entrepreneur, joins Dr. Melina on this week’s episode of Practically Healthy. A heavily-certified fitness professional, Pete shares his insights into how higher intensity fitness routines can combat the aging process. Melina and Pete chat about how these sorts of regimens can decrease the chance of health issues, such as diabetes and heart problems, while improving longevity and hormone levels. Many of us use lower intensity workouts as we get older but you’ll hear how higher intensity routines are more effective at slowing the aging process. Listen in to hear how Pete’s approach to fitness can slow aging and enhance your quality of life! To learn more about all that Pete has going on visit: petemccallfitness.com

Soup As Medicine: Elina Fuhrman

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

This week’s episode is all about the incredible ways that the right foods can act as a form of medicine that potentially can prevent or even treat health issues. Dr. Melina is joined by Elina Fuhrman, an author, chef, and wealth of knowledge on the merits of soup as a source of healing and enrichment. Elina shares how a personal struggle with breast cancer exposed her to the endless potential of soup to make us better and how it sent her on a journey of discovery. If you love soup, if you like feeling good, and you’d like to know more about how natural ingredients and old-world knowledge can produce incredible health benefits, this episode is for you! Listen in as Melina and Elina explore the power of quality ingredients and delicious soups in improving your health and nutrition. To learn more about Elina’s work producing mind-blowing soups and soup recipes, her book, and the myriad ways you can incorporate her research on food as medicine into your diet, visit her here: Soupelina.com

Proof Is In The Genes: Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Dr. Melina is joined this week by Dr. Ahmed El-Sohemy, a professor and associate chair of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto and founder of Nutrigenomix, a multinational company with over 10,000 practitioners in 40 countries. Dr. El-Sohemy’s studies have identified how unique genetic makeups can predispose us to experiencing positive or negative outcomes in different settings. His work focuses on the interface between nutrition and our genetic makeup, using ground-breaking genetic testing to add precision to health optimization and disease prevention. Melina and Ahmed discuss his business, his impressive medical career, and the complex yet promising fields of modern medicine attempting to treat each patient in more informed ways. To learn more about Dr. El-Sohemy and how Nutrigenomix can use genetic testing and personalized nutrition to improve your life, visit: Nutrigenomix.com

Fasting Fast-track To Better Health: Dr. Amy Shah

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

On episode eleven of Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina is joined by Dr. Amy Shah. Dr. Shah is a double board-certified medical doctor and wellness expert specializing in allergy and immunology, hormones, and gut health who is also the author of “I’m So Effing Tired”, one of Fortune’s “Five Best Business Books of 2021”. Dr. Shah and Dr. Melina discuss the various dynamics that can affect the efficacy of certain fasting regimens in relation to health, weight loss, and disease mitigation. We hear how fasting can be used as a tool even in the treatment of certain cancers! Dr. Shah offers fascinating tips and insights into the wrap-around health benefits of different forms of fasting, especially when combined with exercise, in addition to the medical and nutritional benefits of using certain spices in food preparation. Learn more about Dr. Shah’s practice and her published work here: AmyMDwellness.com

Head In The Game: Randy Jackson

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

On a very special episode of Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina is joined by Grammy award-winner, Randy Jackson! A host of American Idol who has worked as a musician, singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and advocate for healthy habits, Randy and Melina explore the practical steps that one can take to help keep our head in the game when it comes to weight-management. Randy gets vulnerable for the Practically Healthy audience, sharing intimate details of his struggles with healthy eating, type-two diabetes, fad-diets, and gastric bypass surgery. He reflects on the lessons learned from the process he endured as he stabilized his health and subsequently crafted a routine for sustaining that health. A very real and honest perspective on how truly difficult it can be to change our habits around food and on the complacency that can overcome any of us as we try to get healthier while managing life’s daily challenges. Randy has so much going on, whether it be his work in the production industry, his entrepreneurial enterprises spanning a variety of products and industries, his health advocacy, or his work with Dr. Melina. Learn more about Randy, his story, and how you can get into the endless stream of quality projects he continues to put out here: randyjacksonofficial.com AND, learn about Dr. Melina and Randy’s initiative here – Unify Health Labs.

Guide to a Better You: Dr. Andrew Ordon

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

On episode nine of Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina is joined by Dr. Andrew Ordon, a board-certified plastic surgeon, professor of plastic surgery at USC, and Emmy-nominated host of the Emmy award-winning show, The Doctors! Melina and Andrew discuss their duty, as two of the most visible medical professionals of their day, to represent the voice of science and fact in the chaotic and often misguided public discourse about dieting, weight loss, and nutrition. Dr. Ordon identifies specific lifestyle and dietary choices we make that can sabotage our cosmetic goals and the outcome of elective surgery. He and Dr. Melina continue the Practically Healthy motif of supplying simple, achievable, and incredibly effective steps you can take each day to improve your physical health, mental health, and general well being. Learn more about Dr. Ordon’s incredible career, including his well-respected current medical practice, his book, “Better in 7 : The Ultimate Seven-Day Guide to a Better You!”, The Doctors, and much more here: drordon.com !

How To Live Boldly: Jennifer Cohen

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

On episode eight of Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina sits down with Jennifer Cohen, a best-selling author, brand strategist, international speaker, and educator who has found widespread acclaim by empowering others to develop healthy habits that drive positive behavioral change. Melina unpacks Jen’s unique and effective approach to cultivating success – an approach that can be applied in your own life to dominate everything from the more common challenges to the most daunting. Jen shares some simple and practical tips that will teach you how to live boldly and build better habits, a foundation for achieving your goals, living well, loving the person you see in the mirror. Another honest and real discussion on Practically Healthy, chock full of useful information from two women who have made it their mission to spread knowledge about living healthier and being your best self. To learn more about Jen and her many projects, including her podcast, “Habits and Hustle”, her new, upcoming book, speaking engagements and much more, check out her website here: jennifercohen.com

Food, Friends, Curiosity: Mireille Guiliano

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Dr. Melina is joined on episode seven of Practically Healthy by Mireille Guiliano, the former CEO of Veuve Clicquot’s American subsidiary, co-founder of the Guiliano Global Fellowship Program, and best-selling author of “French Women Don’t Get Fat”. Mireille shares her uniquely French approach to life and how the myriad decisions we make each day about food, friendship, activity, and appreciation can either enrich our lives or simply be missed opportunities to add depth. Quality, moderation, and intention are concepts that define this fascinating conversation, as well as some surprising facts about the food and ingredients we use and consume regularly. A discussion that explores incredibly meaningful ideas and concepts in a casual way, you’ve got to listen-in to get the full dose of wisdom encapsulated in this one episode. To learn more about the incredibly eclectic and interesting work and life of Mireille Guiliano, visit her website: FrenchWomenDontGetFat.com

Is Food Addiction Real: Dr. Nicole Avena

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Episode six of Practically Healthy with Dr. Melina features Dr. Nicole Avena! Dr. Avena is an author and an internationally respected scientist, speaker, and consultant on the subject of nutrition, diet, and food addiction. Melina and Nicole break down the mechanics of impulsivity and food addiction, exposing just how common this problem is. Their discussion offers proof that addiction is not a moral failing and explains how the deck is stacked against us today thanks to the ease of access to unhealthy, processed foods and aggressive marketing campaigns. The two doctors explore the misconceptions and science behind why certain diets fail and how the likelihood of success with a diet is not simply associated with lifestyle choices, but also with certain psychological factors and other unexpected details worth considering, whether you struggle with diet or not. Dr. Nicole also shares some uncomplicated and attainable strategies to help us find more success when trying to accomplish our dietary goals and to generally just feel better! Learn more about Dr. Nicole Avena’s impactful work and her fascinating books by checking out her website: Dr.NicoleAvena.com

The Happiness Project: Gretchen Rubin

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Dr. Melina is joined on episode five of Practically Healthy by New York Times best-selling author, Gretchen Rubin! Now having published more than five books, Gretchen originally came to publishing after leaving a successful law career that included time spent clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Lucky for us, she chose to pursue her happiness and made the leap into the writing world! One of her most successful books, “The Happiness Project”, was a #1 New York Times best-seller and is still helping people understand and find happiness in their own lives. Listen in as Gretchen and Dr. Melina break open the secrets to developing healthy habits and maintaining real, lasting happiness. Learn more about Gretchen and all her accessible and insightful work on her website, gretchenrubin.com

Healthy Hauls, Happy Homes: Lisa Lillien

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Lisa Lillien joins Dr. Melina on episode four of Practically Healthy for an incredibly helpful and fun discussion. Creator of the wildly popular Hungry Girl brand and a New York Times bestselling author, Lisa specializes in teaching how to make smart, yet practical choices about the food we eat and how we eat it. Lisa and Dr. Melina explore tips, tools, and strategies to develop and maintain a healthy-eating lifestyle that works for even those of us who feel that there just isn’t enough time in the day. Putting together three quality meals each day is possible for anyone – listen in to find out how! To learn more about all the amazing offerings that Lisa has produced under her Hungry Girl brand, including her cookbooks and podcast, click here.

Eat, Sweat, Think, Connect: Jessie Pavelka

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Health and wellness expert, Jessie Pavelka, joins Dr. Melina on episode three of Practically Healthy. Jessie shares some profound reflections from his early years hosting television shows such as “The Biggest Loser” and explains how he came to develop his own wellness platform which has been widely praised and implemented all over the world. An incredibly thought-provoking discussion, Jessie and Dr. Melina explore the four tenets of Jessie’s platform – eat, sweat, think, connect – and discuss how these simple concepts add depth, wellness, and meaning to our lives in stunning ways. To learn more about Jessie and his program, Pavelka Wellness, visit: pavelkawellness.com

In The Zone Pt. 1: Dr. Barry Sears

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

Dr. Melina is joined on episode two of Practically Healthy by Dr. Barry Sears! Dr. Sears is a nutritional biochemist, author, and creator of The Zone Diet®. A pioneering dietary routine, The Zone Diet® helps us shed excess body fat at the fastest possible rate, maintain wellness, and simply think and perform better. In part one of this two-part episode, Dr. Melina and Dr. Sears break down in layman’s terms how certain dietary choices can cause inflammation in our bodies which expedites aging and weight gain while also leaving us more prone to illness. An eye-opening discussion that could truly help you live a longer, happier, and healthier life! Forget all those fad-diets and learn how to implement Dr. Sears’ incredibly effective and medically sound strategy in your life by clicking here.

Truth About Fad-Diets Pt. 2: Dr. Barry Sears

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

In part two of a special two part episode, Dr. Melina and Dr. Barry Sears continue their eye-opening discussion by analyzing and debunking certain current fad-diets and claims that have been misrepresented as safe and medically-supported truths. Listen as these two experts address the dangers and falsehoods at the heart of some of the most currently popular diets and get the truth about intake of gluten, dairy, lectins, and more. Truly healthy weight-loss and dietary advice doesn’t come from social media influencers or from those with a vested interest…it comes from nutrition experts like Dr. Melina and Dr. Sears! Tune in each Wednesday for a new episode from Dr. Melina!

Choose You! Chatting With Brandi Chastain

Practically Healthy by Dr. Melina

On this first episode of Practically Healthy, Dr. Melina is joined by two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold-medalist, coach, and sports broadcaster…Brandi Chastain! A fun, honest, and real discussion exploring healthy practices that are just as important for pro-athletes as they are for us all. Dr. Melina and Brandi chat about Brandi’s amazing career, the importance of self-care, finding confidence as a woman, and much more!