In this episode of The Well-Being Manifesto, hosts Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman sit down with renowned cardiovascular and clinical exercise physiologist Dr. Barry Franklin to explore how movement truly becomes medicine.

Dr. Franklin, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease prevention and past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, breaks down the most dangerous exercise myths, reveals the smallest effective dose of physical activity, and explains how even 1-minute bouts of movement can improve longevity and reduce the risk of heart disease. If you're overwhelmed by fitness trends, confused by VO2 max, METs, and heart rate zones, or worried about starting an exercise plan safely, this episode provides clarity rooted in decades of clinical research.

Learn why:
• 7,000–8,000 steps per day may be more effective than 10,000
• Stair climbing can reduce mortality by up to 30%
• Walking speed predicts longevity and heart health
• High-intensity exercise can be risky for sedentary individuals
• Even a 5% weight loss significantly improves health outcomes
• METs, VO2 max, and aerobic capacity matter for your aging process
• The safest approach to movement is gradual, consistent, and individualized

This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in healthy aging, longevity, heart disease prevention, functional fitness, exercise safety, metabolic health, and sustainable lifestyle change. Whether you're a medical professional, fitness coach, or simply someone trying to build healthier habits, Dr. Franklin's insights will change how you think about exercise and aging forever.

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In this episode of The Well-Being Manifesto, hosts Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman sit down with legendary nutrition expert, author, and public health advocate Professor Marion Nestle to explore the truth behind nutrition politics, food policy, ultra-processed foods, and what people should actually eat today.

Professor Nestle—author of Food Politics, Unsavory Truth, What to Eat, and her newest book What to Eat Now—breaks down the hidden forces shaping the American food system, including corporate influence, agricultural subsidies, dietary guidelines, food marketing, and why it's so hard for individuals to make healthy choices in a system designed to push the opposite.

This episode dives deep into the intersection of science, policy, culture, and personal health, offering grounded insights, practical advice, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at how nutrition research and public health decisions get made.

• The real story behind food politics and how it shapes what we eat

• Why ultra-processed foods dominate over 60% of the American diet

• How agricultural subsidies, corporate lobbying, and policy decisions impact public health

• The challenges of nutrition research and why the public is often confused

• The truth about access, affordability, and equity in healthy eating

• What Marion Nestle believes people should eat today for better health

• The rise of GLP-1 drugs and how they're reshaping the food industry

• The future of American farming, food production, and sustainability

• How clinicians, journalists, and policymakers can rebuild trust in nutrition science

This episode is essential for anyone interested in:
nutrition science, food policy, public health, healthy eating, sustainable agriculture, ultra-processed foods, organic farming, obesity, the food industry, GLP-1s, food systems, and evidence-based wellness.

Hosted by Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman, The Well-Being Manifesto unpacks the systems, science, and stories shaping human well-being. With leading thinkers in health, policy, medicine, and culture, the show explores what it truly means to live well in today's world.

Learn more at: https://www.thewellbeingmanifesto.com/

In this episode of The Well-Being Manifesto, hosts Dr. Moain Abu Dabrh and Dr. David Freeman welcome world-renowned physician, researcher, and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Dean Ornish — founder and president of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute and pioneer of lifestyle medicine.

For over four decades, Dr. Ornish's groundbreaking research has proven that comprehensive lifestyle changes — including nutrition, movement, stress management, love, and connection — can not only prevent but even reverse chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and now early Alzheimer's disease.

Together, they explore:

• 💪 The science behind reversing heart disease and Alzheimer's naturally

• 🧠 Why small, consistent steps can drive big, lasting health transformations

• ❤️ How love, compassion, and social connection are medicine for the heart and mind

• 🥗 The impact of a whole-food, plant-based diet on longevity and emotional well-being

• 🧘 The role of stress management and mindfulness in true healing

• 🌍 How lifestyle medicine empowers people and systems to move from "sick care" to real health

Dr. Ornish's message is clear: change doesn't have to be radical to be powerful. Every small, mighty step — in how we eat, move, breathe, and connect — brings us closer to healing, purpose, and joy.

If you're ready to reimagine what's possible for your health and well-being, this conversation is a must-listen.