Thrive Bites

After more than 200 episodes, the journey of Thrive Bites comes to a close. It’s been an incredible adventure filled with inspiring conversations, personal growth, and the pursuit of thriving in every sense of the word. For this special final episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend and first-ever guest, Dr. Robert Graham, as we reflect on the origins of the podcast, its most memorable moments, l...

Have you ever wondered what happens when people step outside their comfort zone to bring healing and hope across borders? Sometimes the most life-changing moments happen far from home, not just for those receiving care, but for those giving it. In this episode, I sit down with Brita Zuehlke, Christopher Kendall, Lisa Garcia, and Dr. Dan Omire-Mayor from Partners 4 Global Health, Inc. (P4GH), a non...

What happens when a nurse brings healing into the kitchen? 🍎👩‍⚕️ In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Josie Bidwell—nurse, professor, and culinary medicine educator—who shares how she’s transforming lives in Mississippi through food, education, and lifestyle medicine. We talk about Mississippi’s rich food culture, what sparked her shift from traditional nursing to culinary education,...

How do you honor your cultural roots while living a healthy, plant-based lifestyle? Can traditional Latin and Caribbean dishes be both healing and flavorful, without meat or dairy? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Karla Salinari, also known as The Latina Health Coach, to explore the intersection of culture, wellness, and plant-based nutrition. Karla is a Certified Holistic Health Coach,...

What does healing look like when your identity straddles cultures? How do we address mental health in a community taught to stay silent? What if redefining wellness means confronting intergenerational wounds—together? In this episode, we sit down with Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon—two powerhouse mental health advocates, co-authors of Where I Belong: Healing Trauma and Embracing Asian American Identit...

Can a vegan lifestyle create generational health? 🌱 In this powerful episode of the Thrive Bites Podcast, Dr. Colin Zhu sits down with Chef Nekia Hattley—plant-based foodie, chef, and founder of My Daddy’s Recipes—to explore how a shift to vegan living transformed not just her health, but her purpose and mission. Chef Nekia opens up about her journey, her love for soulful, plant-based comfort foo...

What does healing look like when men are finally allowed to speak? In this powerful episode, we bring together four incredible voices—Leo Xia, Michael Huynh, Jackson Xia, and Noel Garcia, who are each reshaping the conversation around men’s mental health, identity, and healing within Asian and Asian American communities. Through stories of pain, resilience, and community, this episode sheds light...

What if your gym felt more like a community than cold, standalone machines? In this episode, I sit down with Coach Josh Graves, founder of Fitness on Fire, to unpack what it takes to build a fitness business that lasts—and why community might be the most important muscle you build. We talk about how Josh and his wife Haydee took a leap of faith in 2015, opening a gym not just for physical activity...

Could rethinking your food storage change your health and the planet? In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Grieg, Co-Owner and Co-Operator of Ambrosia, and Grae Maisenbacher from the marketing team, to dive into how a simple family tradition turned into a powerful movement for sustainability, reducing food waste, and reimagining everyday choices. Jordan shares the story of how her mother, Jan,...

Looking for a cleaner, more sustainable source of omegas that doesn’t come from fish? 🐟🚫 In this episode, Dr. Jeff Matheson shares a powerful plant-based alternative that could change the game for your brain, heart, and overall health. Dr. Jeff Matheson is the Founder and Medical Director of Pure Life Science and the Medical Director of The Headache, Migraine & Pain Treatment Centre. With ov...

Now, in Part 2, we’re taking it a step further—diving into practical ways to make plant-based eating sustainable, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone! Chef Caryn Dugan and Dr. Jim Loomis return to share more insights, debunk myths, and demonstrate how simple, delicious meals can fuel your body and prevent disease. Whether you're just starting your plant-based journey or looking for new inspirat...

Can food truly be medicine? What if science and cooking came together to make plant-based eating both powerful and practical? In this episode, we explore the science behind plant-based nutrition and how to bring it to life in your kitchen with Chef Caryn Dugan and Dr. Jim Loomis. Chef Caryn Dugan is the founder of the Center for Plant-Based Living, the nation’s first plant-based culinary education...

Yes, even busy families can go plant-based! 🌱✨ Think you’re too busy to eat plant-based? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Yolanda Rivera-Caudill and Chelsea Dye to talk about making plant-based living simple, fun, and doable for busy families. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just looking to eat more plants, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-life strategi...

Did you know that gut health plays a major role in your overall well-being, from your immune system to brain function? Many health issues stem from an unhealthy gut, yet this crucial connection is often overlooked. In this episode, we dive deep into gut health with Dr. Christine Bishara, an integrative Gastroenterologist doctor specializing in healing from within by optimizing gut health. She’s a...

Welcome to Part 2 of Staying Active as You Age! In this episode, wellness expert Angela Fischetti  @boomerandbeyondwellness  takes us through a series of workout demos for seniors. Angela's expert-led exercises will help you maintain strength, mobility, and flexibility as you age so that you can stay active and independent for longer. Whether new to working out or just looking to improve your rout...

Did you know that after age 30, we start losing muscle mass every year? But here’s the good news—you can do something about it! Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your strength, energy, and independence as you age. In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Fischetti, a wellness expert who’s passionate about helping seniors stay fit, mobile, and full of life. Angela Fischetti is a virtual p...

What if the key to transforming your health was not in a prescription, but in the food you eat? In this powerful episode, Dr. Melanie Cano, a Panamanian physician and expert in plant-based nutrition, reveals how embracing a plant-powered lifestyle can be a game changer for your health. Dr. Melanie shares her experience growing up in Panama and how the country views health and wellness. She talks a...

Sure, there’s no magic food that’ll instantly help with weight loss, but did you know certain foods can make a real difference when added to a more balanced diet? What if some simple changes could help you reach your goals faster? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, a true leader in plant-based nutrition and preventive medicine. Dr. Barnard is an Adjunct Professor of Medic...

Can fasting really save your life? Could it be the key to healing chronic illnesses, and restoring optimal health? But, how does water-only fasting work, and is it right for you? These are just a few of the questions we’ll explore in this episode. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alan Goldhamer, a world-renowned expert on medically supervised water-only fasting, to discuss the power of fasting...

Have you ever struggled with losing weight and keeping it off? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, only to see the weight come back again? What if the answer wasn’t just about dieting, but about making a lasting lifestyle change? In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the powerful story of Chuck Carroll, also known as “The Weight Loss Champion,” who lost an astonishing 280 pounds and t...

Ever wondered if going plant-based could fuel an Olympic dream? In this episode, I sit down with Olympic silver medalist cyclist 🚴‍♀️ and Executive Director and Founder of  @Switch4Good  , Dotsie Bausch, to uncover how she defied the odds by embracing a plant-based diet. Dotsie Bausch lives by the Switch4Good motto—Live better. Do more. Dairy-free—and is on a mission to educate and empower others...

What’s next for the Farm Bill, and how could it change how we think about food and farming? In Part 2 of our conversation with Christina Badaracco, MPH, RDN, LDN, we delve deeper into the recent changes made in the Farm Bill and what they mean for the future. Christina discusses the potential expiration of current programs and the possible introduction of new laws that could significantly impact o...

Curious about how the Farm Bill affects what's on your plate and your health? Ever wondered why it’s so challenging to understand or how it impacts our food system? In this episode, we dive into these questions and more with a very special guest of mine. Christina Badaracco, MPH, RDN, LDN, is a healthcare consultant dedicated to advancing nutrition in healthcare and sustainable food production. Wi...

Have you ever wondered how to make your meals both tasty and nutritious? What if you could easily add more fiber to your diet? Join us for the second part of our interview with Dr. Daniel Chen, who dives into the taste of nutritional yeast, the ideal texture for plant-based meals, and how much fiber we should consume daily. Dr. Chen also shares whether nutritional yeast can be eaten on its own, th...

Have you ever wondered how a heart attack can change the way you think about food? What if surviving a life-threatening event leads to a whole new approach to nutrition? Discover the answers to these questions with Dr. Daniel Chen, whose journey from patient to health advocate is inspiring and educational. Dr. Daniel Chen is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He practices...