In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with professional chef and Pluck founder James Barry to explore the relationship between food, nutrition, and health.
James shares how his journey from professional chef to nutrition entrepreneur began with a personal health experience and a growing curiosity about how food affects the body.
The conversation explores what “real food” actually means, whether modern food is as nutrient-dense as it once was, the limitations of labels such as “organic” and “free range,” seasonal eating, food storage and preparation, and why cooking methods can matter.
They also dive deep into organ meats, including why they disappeared from the modern American diet, their historical role in traditional diets, and why James believes they can be an accessible source of nutrients.
James explains how he created Pluck, a seasoning made with powdered organ meats, designed to make incorporating organ meats into everyday meals easier.
The episode also covers parenting, picky eaters, nutrient density, food cravings, consistency, and the four foundational lifestyle pillars James believes people can't escape: real food, movement, stress management, and sleep.
Timestamps
- 06:30 — Why “Real Food” Beats Diet Trends
- 08:20 — What Does “Organic” Really Mean?
- 18:18 — Does Stress Change How We Digest Food?
- 25:28 — How to Cook Vegetables Without Overcooking Them
- 32:55 — Why Beef Liver Is So Nutrient Dense
- 35:36 — Why Did We Stop Eating Organ Meats?
- 42:16 — How to Start Eating Organ Meats
- 46:12 — Nutrient Density, Satiety & Food Cravings
- 48:39 — The 4 Lifestyle Pillars You Can't Escape
- 49:46 — What Is Pluck?
Connect with James Barry:
🌐 Eat Pluck: eatpluck.com
📱 Social: @ChefJamesBarry
What is The Curious Cardiologist?
Rethinking heart health, one question at a time.
I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing.
From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it.
Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.