FUELED | wellness + nutrition with Molly Kimball

What do cigarettes, dementia risk and food cravings have in common? They're all part of a fascinating new series of papers in the American Journal of Public Health examining ultra-processed foods. Research scientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Erica LaFata helps us understand the science behind food addiction, brain health, industry influence and what these findings mean for our everyday food ch...

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and others have changed the conversation around weight, diabetes and metabolic health. But while these medications can help reduce appetite, they also make it more important than ever to focus on nutrient quality. In this episode, obesity medicine specialist Dr. Amanda Fontenot joins us to separate fact from fiction around GLP-1 medications, covering who they’re for,...

Lymphatic drainage is showing up everywhere right now, from post-surgery recovery plans to spa menus promising detox, debloating and a slimmer-looking shape. But what is it actually doing in the body, and where do the real benefits end and the hype begin? Shannon Oge, PT, DPT, physical therapist and LANA-certified lymphedema specialist with Ochsner Health, joins FUELED to break down how the lympha...

Vocalist, songwriter, and Move Ya Brass founder Robin Barnes joins FUELED for an uplifting conversation about music, motherhood, wellness and living with purpose. Fresh off the release of her first full-length album, Louisiana Love, Robin opens up about protecting her energy, feeling more at home in her body, and how her own health journey shaped this deeply personal project. Her story is a beauti...

For families living with food allergies, everyday life can feel filled with fear and uncertainty. But what if the goal wasn’t just avoidance, but reducing risk, improving safety, and giving kids more freedom? On this episode of FUELED, leading pediatric allergist Alice Hoyt, MD, F.A.A.A.A.I., joins us to talk about what’s changed, what parents need to know, and what’s offering real hope. See Priva...

Menopause is often reduced to hot flashes and mood swings, but the reality reaches far beyond that. Ochsner Health OB-GYN and menopause specialist Liz Lapeyre, MD, joins FUELED to explain how hormonal shifts affect the body head to toe — from sleep, brain fog, and joint pain to changes in muscle, metabolism, cholesterol, skin, and more. We break down what’s actually happening, what can help, and h...

Terrance Osborne’s work is full of color, movement, and unmistakable New Orleans spirit. But behind that work is a way of living that feels just as compelling — grounded, intentional, and built over time. In this conversation, Terrance joins us to talk about the mentors who shaped him, the path that led him to become a full-time artist, and the habits and perspectives that help him stay grounded,...

From “Ozempic face” to fillers + hormone therapy, the skin conversations people are having right now can get confusing fast. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Mary Lupo, we break down the changes that come with aging skin and the treatments people are most curious about. We discuss what hormones can and can’t do, how GLP-1 medications may affect the face, and how to think about procedures in...

Skincare advice is everywhere, but what does a top dermatologist actually use — and what does she think is worth your time and money? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo joins us to talk about the mindset she brings to aging well and the surprisingly streamlined routine she relies on herself. We also get into hydrators, retinoids, product labels, dr...

Butter, beef tallow and protein targets have dominated the conversation around the new Dietary Guidelines — but the real story is bigger. In this episode, I explain why these guidelines matter for policy, schools and food manufacturing, break down what the science supports on protein and full-fat dairy and address the softer stance on alcohol. If you’re looking for a grounded, practical interpreta...

Blood sugar. Cholesterol. Reflux. Blood pressure. These are the quiet health concerns so many of us know we should address, but may be putting off. Molly walks through four of the most common issues she hears from clients and shares the same practical starting points she’d offer a friend over coffee: what actually matters, where lifestyle fits in, and when supplements make sense after the foundati...

High-protein bars that are shockingly low in calories. Very-low-carb breads that actually taste pretty decent. Croissants with “fat inhibitors.” These foods are everywhere (and people love them) but the ingredients behind them are anything but straightforward. Molly teams up with food scientist Darryl Holliday, PhD, to explore what’s behind three popular products and the surprising ingredients sha...

A year ago, turning 50 became an experiment in choosing “now” over “later.” My dear friend Ben McLauchlin joined me then – and now joins me a year later to reflect on what actually shifted when experiences stopped being postponed and presence became the priority. From long-talked-about trips to unexpected moments of stillness and connection, we chat about what mattered, the surprises, and what did...

Alcohol is deeply woven into our culture — from celebration to stress relief to social connection. But what does the science actually say about how alcohol affects the brain and body? In this episode, we’re joined by health psychologist and alcohol researcher Dr. Megan Strowger, PhD to explore the physiology behind alcohol’s effects on sleep, anxiety, mood, inflammation, and long-term health. This...

Joined by WGNO’s Carrigan Chauvin, this episode goes beyond “holiday survival tips” with a deeper dive on what actually leaves us feeling good over the holiday season. Molly and Carrigan cover travel + wellness gift ideas, plus zero proof cocktails and healthy holiday baking that still feels festive. Plus, a 'gratitude thread' exercise that reframes how we see the people and moments we’re grateful...

The holidays can bring joy, nostalgia — and emotional whiplash. Neuropsychologist Dr. John Sawyer joins me for his third FUELED appearance to talk through the subtle sources of holiday stress we don’t often talk about: feeling unseen, absorbing others’ moods, or juggling traditions that don’t quite fit anymore. We’ll talk about how to set emotional boundaries with grace, stay kind when opinions di...

Sleep deserves the same priority as nutrition and exercise, and in this episode Molly welcomes back sleep researcher Dr. Erin Hanlon (University of Chicago) for a rapid-fire Q&A on your top questions. From 3 a.m. cortisol spikes to THC and CBD, magnesium, melatonin, alcohol, caffeine, and what to actually do when you can’t sleep in the middle of the night, Dr. Hanlon shares science-backed stra...

How we spend our mornings sets the tone for everything that follows — not just for how we feel today, but for our long-term health, both mind and body. In this episode, I walk through my current morning routine — from what I drink first thing to the supplements I use and why. Not as a prescription, but as a conversation starter to help you build your own version — one that fits your lifestyle and...

What does “brain health” really mean? From daily clarity, focus and mood to reducing risk of Alzheimer’s later, brain health lives on two timelines. Dr. James Rini joins me to talk through the latest research on the MIND diet, creatine, omega-3s, L-theanine, probiotics, and more - plus the non-negotiables of sleep, movement and nutrition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi...

Your pet’s healthspan starts with what’s in the bowl. In this episode, Molly teams up with a veterinary nutrition expert to break it all down, then tackle rapid-fire listener questions on upset tummies, dental dilemmas, and more. Practical, vet-approved guidance to keep your pets lean, energetic, and thriving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at htt...

What if your dinner could work as well as your prescription? In this episode, I’m joined again by Dr. Mary Sco., MD-PhD in Nutrition Sciences, to break down head-to-head comparisons of diet and lifestyle changes versus medications. From cholesterol and blood pressure to migraines, diabetes, and even mental health, we look at the research on when food can match—or even outperform—pharmaceuticals, a...

Protein is everywhere – from TikTok bars and cottage cheese to whey-powered start-ups. WGNO meteorologist (and athlete and fitness competitor) Carrigan Chauvin and our Eat Fit ambassador Robert Kuhner join us to talk through the latest research and insights on all things protein. Consider this your roadmap to hitting your protein sweet spot – a comprehensive, practical dive into what works, what’s...

The New York Times recently published its “10 Nutrition Lessons for 2025, So Far”—and we’re putting them under the microscope. I’m joined by journalist and wellness expert Melanie Warner Spencer for a rapid-fire reality check on what works, what needs tweaking, and how to make each tip doable in real life. LINKS  More about Melanie at melaniewarnerspencer.com 10 Nutrition Lessons From 2025, So Far...

Chicory has been paired with coffee for millennia, from ancient herbal tonics to the signature New Orleans café au lait. Roast Master Felton Jones joins us to trace its journey, taste-test pure chicory, and share why this caffeine-free root is climbing bestseller lists – and how you can brew it at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://ar...

We've lined up seven popular ready-to-drink protein shakes with fellow dietitian Brittany Craft and 12-year-old super-taster Lily. Expect unfiltered flavor reviews, nutrition call-outs and a surprise winner as kid taste buds square off against RD standards for protein, sugar and electrolytes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...