Is Sugar Addiction Real? Dr. Nicole Avena Reveals the Scary Truth About Sugar

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DANG! The Todd Bridges Podcast

Todd Bridges and Bettijo Bridges

53 episodes

1 week ago

Coal for Christmas? A Darth Vader haircut? And Santa’s true identity? This Christmas Eve, Todd and Bettijo debate holiday chaos, family traditions, and why believing in Santa might just save Christmas—whether you’re naughty, nice, or getting charcoal.SUMMARYIt’s the DANG! Christmas episode, and Todd and Bettijo kick things off exactly how you’d expect: roasting each other’s hair, debating whether “DANG!” works as a holiday greeting, and diving headfirst into what really makes the holiday season the holiday season. From when Christmas decorations should go up to why Todd thinks kids might deserve coal, nothing is off-limits.The conversation winds through favorite (and least favorite) holidays, faith, and the meaning behind Christmas and Easter. Todd proudly claims his Grinch status while still loving family time, and Bettijo shares how traditions—like intentional gift-giving and Santa letters—keep the magic alive. Along the way, they swap childhood memories, blended-family realities, and hilarious debates about Santa’s race, belief, and bargaining power.Things take a nostalgic (and slightly unhinged) turn with stories of Nerf gun battles, BB gun mishaps, and holiday chaos past—before circling back to what matters most: togetherness. Whether it’s kids believing just a little longer, families navigating whose turn it is, or simply showing up, Todd and Bettijo remind us that Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree—it’s about who’s around it.They wrap things up with a festive ToddFlix recommendation (Red One), more coal jokes, and a heartfelt reminder to enjoy your family while you have them. Funny, honest, and perfectly imperfect, this episode is a Christmas Eve listen made for eggnog, laughter, and embracing the beautiful mess of the holidays.HIGHLIGHTSDarth Vader vs. Eraser Hair: Todd and Bettijo roast each other’s morning hair—and somehow Star Wars and office supplies both lose. (00:38) When Christmas Actually Starts: Bettijo declares the Macy’s Parade the official permission slip for Christmas music. Todd strongly disagrees. (01:55)Certified Grinch Energy: Todd’s favorite holiday is…not Christmas. (04:10)Coal > Presents?: Todd explains why naughty kids should really get coal—and why he’s totally serious. Maybe. (05:59)The Gift Math Madness: Bettijo’s bucket system for “fair” Christmas gifting. (09:51)Santa Believers (Ages 18+): How Bettijo keeps her grown kids believing in Santa—for strategic reasons. (13:43)Santa, According to Todd: Why Santa was Black in his house—and still might be. (14:42)BB Guns & Bad Ideas: Holiday nostalgia takes a dangerous turn. (16:26)ToddFlix – Red One: The Rock, Krampus, and the slap heard ’round Christmas. (22:05)LISTEN TO LEARNWhy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the legal loophole for decorating early.How to turn Christmas shopping into a sneaky math lesson (that kids don’t hate).How to keep Christmas “fair” without losing your mind.Whether you're decorating your tree in November or waiting until the last second like a holiday rebel, this episode is the gift that keeps on giving. Stop being a Grinch—hit play and join the family!Follow on Instagram: Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom--------------------© 2025 Loop 101 MediaDANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie AnneFor more information contact info@loop101media.com

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Is Sugar Addiction Real? Dr. Nicole Avena Reveals the Scary Truth About Sugar - Ep. 38

DANG! The Todd Bridges Podcast

53 minutes

4 months ago

Is Sugar Addiction Real? Dr. Nicole Avena Reveals the Scary Truth About Sugar - Ep. 38

Todd and Bettijo are tackling their sugar cravings with neuroscientist and author Dr. Nicole Avena, who proves your cookie obsession isn’t just willpower gone wrong—it's a real addiction. Get ready to laugh and learn as they uncover the shocking truth behind why your brain can't stop at just one, or maybe 12, peanut butter cups!SUMMARYTodd and Bettijo are joined by Dr. Nicole Avena, a Princeton-trained neuroscientist who literally wrote the book on sugar addiction. A faculty member at both Princeton University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Avena has spent over 20 years proving that sugar is, in fact, an addictive substance that meets the same criteria as drugs linked to substance use disorder.Her book Sugarless is a practical guide to kicking sugar without losing your mind, complete with a step-by-step plan and recipes to help you break free. In this conversation, she reveals the sneaky ways hidden sugars show up in everyday foods like frozen pizza and even bacon, and how the food industry relies on them to mask preservatives. The episode also dives into the artificial sweetener debate, exposing how they can actually fuel stronger cravings by confusing the brain.Dr. Avena shares her personal journey, the resistance she faced from the scientific community, and how her work helped reframe food addiction from a moral weakness to a diagnosable brain disease. From obesity and chronic illness to sugar as a potential “gateway drug” for kids—and even its eerie parallels to Big Tobacco—this eye-opening conversation will change the way you look at what’s on your plate.HIGHLIGHTSTodd confesses his sweet tooth for Trader Joe's dark chocolate peanut butter cups. (1:30)Is sugar really addicting? (2:12)The sneaky names for hidden sugar on food labels that you need to know about. (8:21)What about artificial sweeteners? (10:24)Sugar as a gateway drug. (23:31)Bettijo’s strategy for when to use sugar and when to avoid it based on the book Nourishing Traditions. (29:03)Surprising amount of sugar in popular beverages like iced coffee and soda drinks. (33:50)The eerie similarities between sugar and Big Tobacco. (37:07)How to tackle your sugar addiction. (40:19)ToddFlix: Todd talks about the TV show Narcos. (47:44)LISTEN TO LEARNThe best way to read food labels to spot hidden sugars.How food companies use sugar to make their products addictive.Simple, small changes you can make to reduce your sugar intake.Todd just committed to giving up soda with dinner—DANG! Now that's what we call a small, incremental change. Listen now to find out how you can start making your own!Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddbridgeshttps://www.instagram.com/pagingsupermom--------------------© 2024 Loop 101 MediaDANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie AnneFor more information contact info@loop101media.com

DANG! The Todd Bridges Podcast