The Moment She Realized Alcohol Was Going to Kill Her

What happens when you come face to face with death and are forced to make a choice?Ethan sits down with Jaimie Alexander to unpack a raw, deeply personal story about sobriety, self-worth, and survival. Jaimie opens up about being a highly functioning alcoholic, the quiet rationalizations that kept her drinking, and the medical crisis that nearly took her life. What followed was a moment of clarity that changed everything and led to a commitment she could not ignore. This conversation is honest, emotional, and unfiltered, exploring pain, meaning, and the power of choosing to stay.For more reflections like this, subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here:https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Wired Headphones and Small Talk00:26 Jaimie’s Journey to Sobriety01:31 High-Functioning Alcoholism Explained03:13 The Illusion of Control05:54 Drinking as Medication06:07 The Question of Rock Bottom09:03 Dating, Anxiety, and Drinking Before the Date10:38 Accidentally Sober in a Snowstorm15:10 Withdrawal, Denial, and Pushing Through18:03 Severe Appendicitis and Ignored Pain21:44 Facing Death in the Operating Room25:54 “Do You Want to Stay or Go?”29:43 Surviving Against the Odds31:18 Choosing to Stay Alive36:26 Power, Perspective, and Agency41:30 Self-Kindness as a Practice47:24 Meaning, Suffering, and Choice53:57 Toxic Positivity vs Real Empathy58:04 Sobriety, Growth, and Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if improving your physical health was never the real starting point?In this episode, Ethan sits down with Dr. Tara Narula, cardiologist, journalist, and author, to explore the often ignored mental and emotional foundations of health. Together, they unpack the science of stress, the reality of mind body connection, and why resilience is not about toughness but about acceptance, flexibility, and daily practice. Dr. Narula shares deeply personal stories from her medical training and clinical work, revealing how trauma, mindset, and social connection directly impact heart health and longevity. This conversation challenges quick fixes and offers a more honest blueprint for lasting change.Want more thoughtful conversations like this?Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if weight gain, depression, and chronic illness are symptoms rather than the real problem?Ethan sits down with Dr.Josh Redd, a functional medicine doctor, to explore why treating symptoms alone often fails. On this episode of American Glutton, Ethan Suplee and Dr. Redd dig into inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, mental health, and why personalized care matters more than one-size-fits-all diets or pills. They discuss real patient stories, overlooked root causes, and what true healing can look like.Want more insights like this? Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - What Functional Medicine Really Means04:10 - Treating Root Causes Instead of Symptoms09:05 - Why One Size Fits All Diets Fail14:40 - When Weight Is a Symptom, Not the Problem20:30 - Brain Inflammation and Mental Health27:15 - The Emotional Cost of Chronic Illness32:40 - A Child’s Drawing That Changed Everything38:20 - Why Patients Feel “Crazy” When Labs Are “Normal”45:10 - Food, Inflammation, and Modern Lifestyles52:35 - Why Healing Requires Education, Not Just Treatment59:40 - What Real Health Transformation Looks Like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to start over without punishing yourself? Ethan Suplee sits down with Paige Dorian to unpack the emotional and psychological weight of restarting, whether it is after the holidays, a setback, or yet another failed plan. Ethan speaks candidly about crash diets, the illusion of quick fixes, and why weight loss is something to manage, not cure.Together, they explore sustainable habits, realistic readiness, and the importance of support and accountability. This conversation is a grounded reminder that real change comes from compassion, not extremes.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Starting Over and January Resets02:05 The Gloom of Restarting06:38 Why Crash Diets Fail09:31 Sustainable Change vs Quick Fixes12:17 Mindless Eating and Awareness14:57 Exercise and Unrealistic Expectations19:36 The Readiness Formula24:03 Weight Loss vs Life Improvement26:01 Accountability and Support Systems30:55 Managing Weight for Life36:44 Broadening the Goal Beyond Weight42:19 Compassion, Guardrails, and Self Control48:00 New Year Perspective Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"What diet should I do?" It is one of the most common questions Ethan receives. In this solo episode, Ethan sits down to address the complexities of starting a weight loss journey. He shares his personal history with extreme diets, explaining how reducing responsibility with food initially helped him gain control. Ethan discusses the psychological benefits of diet breaks, the reality of loose skin, and the dangers of scale obsession. He emphasizes that whether you choose keto, veganism, or calorie reduction, the key is finding a sustainable long term plan.For more insights, sign up for Ethan's newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS0:00 The "What Diet Should I Do?" Question1:17 Extreme Diets and Initial Goals2:43 Reducing Responsibility with Liquid Diets4:47 The Trap of Yo-Yo Dieting5:50 Reintroducing Carbs and Food Intolerance7:37 Diet Plateaus and Metabolic Adaptation9:45 The Importance of Maintenance Periods11:28 Maintenance is Still a Diet13:17 Handing Power Over to Someone Else14:38 Finding the Right Approach for You15:45 Using Extreme Diets as a Mental Reset17:34 The Reality of Loose Skin18:48 Overcoming Scale Obsession Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really drives sustainable weight loss, and why do so many popular diets fail people long term?Ethan sits down with Tony Bloom to unpack the confusion, frustration, and misinformation surrounding modern diet culture. Drawing from personal experience and years in the fitness industry, Tony explains why no single diet is magic, how social media amplifies bad nutrition advice, and why communication and individualization matter more than dogma. Ethan reflects on his own history with keto, calorie fear, and chasing the “right” answer, revealing how mindset and adherence shape real results. This episode cuts through noise and ideology to focus on what actually works for humans in the real world.Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter for more grounded conversations at https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTSMeeting Tony BloomEscaping Diet FadsEthan’s Keto ExperienceWhy Diets Become DogmaIndividualization MattersThe Map Is Not RealityWhen Simple Answers FailWanting to Hear the “Right” AnswerChanging Your Mind Is HardWeight Loss vs Health DebatesLanguage and DefinitionsWhat a Calorie Really IsWhy Calories Trigger PeopleThe Mental Game of the ScalePreference vs TruthThe White Coat ProblemTrust, Credentials, and RealityAdherence Over IdeologyFinal Takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it ever too late to rewrite your habits and reclaim your health? In this episode, Ethan sits down with returning guest Lisa De Pasquale to discuss her latest book, *The Gen X Handbook to Middle Age*. Together, they dive deep into the unique experience of their generation, exploring how "latchkey kids" are now navigating the challenges of aging and health.Ethan and Lisa bond over their shared history, discussing how the explosion of processed food in the 1980s shaped their early habits and left them to figure out wellness later in life. Lisa opens up about her own transformation, detailing her 170-pound weight loss and the reality of maintaining it while dealing with loose skin and the physical limitations that come with getting older. They discuss the importance of making fitness fun, using movie montage playlists to stay motivated, and why perfection is not the goal.The conversation touches on the nostalgia of fast food culture, the judgment surrounding diet choices, and why it is crucial to reject the idea that you have missed the boat on getting healthy.For more insights and updates on health, wellness, and Ethan’s personal journey, be sure to sign up for his newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Intro and Welcome00:39 The Gen X Identity Crisis02:07 The Wealth Transfer Myth03:22 The First Generation of Processed Food05:37 Starting Health Journeys Later in Life07:19 The Power of the Perfect Workout Playlist10:31 Training Montages and Movie Nostalgia13:17 Adapting Workouts to Busy Schedules15:17 The Realities of Aging and Mobility17:51 Fast Food Nostalgia and Marketing Collabs20:25 The Judgment of Food Choices25:18 How Independence Fueled Bad Habits29:51 There Is No Finish Line32:05 Dealing with Loose Skin and Surgery37:06 Swimwear Anxiety and Body Image38:29 Generational Food Pyramids41:18 The Politics of Health and Food44:23 Dealing with Public Disappointment After Weight Loss47:43 Navigating Career Identity Post-Weight Loss49:03 The Gen X Approach to Plastic Surgery Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to survive the holiday season without completely derailing your health goals? Ethan sits down with Page Dorian to discuss the "season of gluttony" sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They explore practical strategies for navigating food focused gatherings, from planning cheat meals to dealing with family members who might pressure you to overindulge. Ethan shares his personal history with rapid holiday weight gain and offers advice on determining if that slice of pie is truly worth the setback to your progress.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS IntroductionHow to stay on plan during the holidaysAvoiding the downward spiralThe eating challenge storyKnowing your own limitationsWillpower and characterManaging family expectationsThe Christmas Vacation examplePractical tips for success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if everything you believe about dieting and weight loss is wrong?Ethan Suplee sits down with Dr. Mike Israetel for a brutally clear look at fad diets, sustainable fat loss, and the real science behind building muscle while dropping weight. They talk through keto myths, progressive overload, food psychology, and why modern life is designed to make you overeat. If you have ever felt stuck or confused by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode cuts through the noise.Sign up for Ethan's newsletter for more insights and updates: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 The Keto Mistake Ethan Discovered02:45 What Mike’s TED Talk Changed06:07 Progressive Overload Explained Simply12:47 What Failure in Training Really Means17:32 How Beginners Should Actually Train20:30 Muscle vs Fat and Why Muscle Matters23:26 Why Muscle Improves Metabolic Health27:07 Why Overweight People Often Excel at Lifting29:23 Why Fad Diets Set You Up for Failure32:46 The Danger of One Size Fits All Diets35:59 Hunger, Evolution and Modern Food41:21 The Red Pill of Understanding Food45:56 Why Food Is Not Moral or Immoral48:30 The Forbidden Food Effect52:13 Ethan Reintroduces Carbs and Freaks Out53:55 Why Boring Science Wins in the End Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when nutrition myths collide with lived experience and real science? In this episode, Ethan sits down with Jacob to explore the confusion, fear and evolving beliefs around food, dieting and identity. They talk about breaking free from restrictive rules, learning to trust your body and replacing guilt with grounded understanding. The conversation digs into calories, keto history, processed food fear, personal patterns and how to rebuild a healthy relationship with eating.If you want more honest conversations like this, sign up for Ethan’s newsletter: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Welcome and intro01:09 Falling into nutrition misinformation02:51 Studying nutrition and shifting beliefs04:46 Ethan’s dieting history07:09 Calories in calories out realization10:06 Fear and judgment around food12:23 Personal experimentation and routines14:48 Learning to individualize nutrition16:42 Keto, identity and starting over18:58 Trusting real science21:44 Shifting the goal from weight loss to fat loss24:43 The dark side of extreme calorie restriction28:25 Coaching through mindset and misinformation31:32 The problem with cookie cutter coaching33:56 Missing life because of food rules38:24 Food fear and social consequences41:22 Why online nutrition beliefs shift43:54 Ultra processed food vs mindset46:34 Diet soda, health claims and nuance48:54 Reintroducing processed foods without chaos51:06 The failure of abstinence based eating53:13 Food as culture and connection55:09 Final thoughts and closing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.