Love This Food Thing

Gracie Carpenter has a story to share. One day she’ll write her memoir but until then you can hear some of it on Love This Food Thing’s second double episode.This is an excerpt from Gracie’s initial email:“I grew up with alcoholic parents, eventually moving to the care of my grandparents. Shortly after my mother’s death by suicide, I fell rapidly and violently into the clutches of anorexia… the road to recovery has been a long one I have since lost my father, my best friend and most recently her father, who was like a second Dad to me.”Some stories move me beyond words. This is one of them. Here is part two of Gracie’s story. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:15] - Begins to recover[09:22] - Leaves hospital[16:00] - New life[26:40] - Singing and musicCONNECT WITH GRACIE CARPENTER:Gracie’s InstagramGracie’s SoundcloudTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Gracie Carpenter has a story to share. One day she’ll write her memoir but until then you can hear some of it on Love This Food Thing’s first double episode.This is an excerpt from Gracie’s initial email: “I grew up with alcoholic parents, eventually moving to the care of my grandparents. Shortly after my mother’s death by suicide, I fell rapidly and violently into the clutches of anorexia… the road to recovery has been a long one I have since lost my father, my best friend and most recently her father, who was like a second Dad to me.”Some stories move me beyond words. This is one of them.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[03:20] - Gracie’s Mum dies[07:40] - Anorexia[26:00] - Defining Moment No. 1[29:50] - Near Death ExperienceCONNECT WITH GRACIE CARPENTER:Gracie’s InstagramGracie’s SoundcloudTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Dr Tasha is a consultant breast cancer surgeon - who wishes we were breast aware every month - and is dedicated to informing and educating people about this particular cancer that affects so many people over the world.The two highest risk factors for breast cancer are being female and ageing. Men can also develop breast cancer but few do - they have their prostate to tend to as they age.Find out about Dr Tasha’s relationship with food. She became vegetarian at medical school but our focus in this episode is on breast cancer and related issues – nutrition, processed food, cellular changes, the BRCA gene, and importantly, how to stay well.Dr Tasha possesses the type of bedside manner you wish for every doctor.Whatever your age or gender you may be affected by breast cancer in some way and we hope this episode will help you.Dr Tasha has a YouTube channel and hosts her podcast, My Breast My Health.[05:00] - Early Life[09:00] - Breast Cancer Risks[15:33] - BRCA gene[33:28] - Breast Cancer Awareness Month CONNECT WITH DR TASHA GANDAMIHARDJA:Tasha’s InstagramTasha’s YouTube ChannelTasha's PodcastTasha’s WebsiteTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Psychotherapist Emmy Brunner is a personal empowerment and transformation coach, CEO of the Recover Clinic and creator of an awakening and healing programme, From Lost to the River.The core tenet of Emmy’s practice is that our mental health conditions are a response to trauma. She says:“Everything from mild anxiety to more significant depressive episodes, everything that we talk about as mental health problems are the result of and a response to trauma.”Growing up Emmy felt a “general blanket sense of unworthiness” and was invested in an overall lack of self-care which resulted in food and body issues.It was during her clinical training in her early twenties when Emmy realised that the problem lay with how she felt about herself and had nothing to do with food. Her therapeutic “waking up” process continued and at just twenty-six she went into private practice.Emmy loves her work and feels privileged to help so many, especially women, by empowering change and being of service. Tune into the full episode to hear Emmy talk about trauma, eating disorders and healing. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:35] - Defining trauma[16:15] - Drivers for ED’s and self harm[20:00] - Professional life (lone wolf)[23:30] - Group therapy and moreCONNECT WITH EMMY BRUNNER:Emmy’s WebsiteEmmy’s InstagramRecover ClinicTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Growing up Becca enjoyed eating but feared gaining weight, which caused complications.In an attempt to control her environment and over-stimulated brain she ate less. Becca lost a lot of weight especially during her teenage years when her family relocated and she changed schools; fixating on food helped her focus.Her eating disorder’s shape shifted from anorexia to binge eating. At nineteen, Becca was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication. Along with specific practical support her symptoms improved.It was only when Becca was studying to be a dietician - learning about the physical effects on the body from poor nutrition – and her subsequent discovery of Intuitive Eating that everything fell into place.Today, Becca advocates an Intuitive Eating approach, from an ADHD perspective, for her clients while managing their medication and executive function around cooking and eating.   Tune in to hear how Becca combines her unique insight and perspective on ADHD and nutrition helping to bring others to a place of love, acceptance and nourishment.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[03:00] - ADHD diagnosis [22:00] - Turning point for ED[20:33] Becca describes her ADHD [32:12] - Becca’s practiceCONNECT WITH BECCA KING: Becca’s InstagramBook a Call with BeccaTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

“It was the perfect storm, an internal conflict and an external conflict. I was being driven by the need to be perfect, the need to fit into an aesthetic world where I was being judged not just on my talent and ability” but on how I looked.Joelle trained in ballet and was dancing professionally at sixteen. She describes herself as, “short, curvy and mouthy,” the antitheses of a ballerinaJoelle was loved but home life felt turbulent, she was constantly treading on eggshells. She also endured gastro-intestinal issues and was diagnosed as coeliac when older.Joelle developed eating disorders (ED’s) early on but flew under the radar; as these behaviours were common within dance culture. Looking back she recognises her ED’s as a response to early childhood trauma and then much later as PTSD.At nineteen, Joelle entered the world of commercials, film and music videos. Being on camera brought new pressures highlighting her issue of never feeling good enough - the better her external performance the worse she felt inside.Despite her ongoing distress, Joelle powered through life - high functioning and high achieving – in and out of therapy whilst juggling a successful dance career, two children and training as a psychotherapist.Today, Joelle runs a thriving trauma focused private psychotherapy practice in California specialising in Eating Disorders, Trauma and PTSD.Joelle is the kind of therapist who has been there, done it and wears the T-shirt giving her oodles of insight, compassion and understanding which is a special combination.Tune in to hear Joelle’s expert take on trauma, eating disorders and innate wisdom around recovery and embracing life.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[10:30] - Orthorexia/Bingeing[27:10] - Coeliac situation[23:20] - Psych School[30:43] - TraumaCONNECT WITH JOELLE RABOW MALETIS: Joelle’s InstagramJoelle’s WebsiteTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

After my initial approach to the Felix Project they suggested Head Chef, Leon Aarts. Rich, our sound engineer left a note on my final audio saying, “we need more people like Leon”.He’s right. We do!Leon comes from a food-loving family; he remembers feasts around his Grandparents’ dining table, his mother’s love of cooking and lying in bed dreaming of eating and never feeling full.Leon was an overweight boy and although nurtured by family and friends he quietly craved validation and felt not good enough.When Leon changed his diet things began looking up, at nineteen he encountered his first professional kitchen and instantly knew that this was it.Leon became an award winning Michelin chef but left the industry several years later to set up a Fine Food Company in London. Still, something wasn’t right and during a Balinese retreat Leon finally saw the light. Overnight, life changed.Leon set to work and founded three charities but his career peak was establishing the Calais Jungle kitchen in 2015.Leon is on a mission - to feed people who would otherwise go hungry for free. Which is why he heads up the Felix Kitchen at The Felix Project, London, surrounded by similar visionary and dedicated people who feed over 4,000 hungry mouths a day.Join me to hear Leon’s inspiring story about how he combines talent and entrepreneurship with compassion to create real and lasting change. If you need a call to action, listen to Leon Aarts.    EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:40] - Food as friend in childhood [11:30] - Diet change[22:00] - Life changes - Finds charities[32:40] - The Felix ProjectCONNECT WITH LEON AARTS:Leon's WebsiteLeon's InstagramThe Felix ProjectThe Felix Project WebsiteTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Stella was born into a Greek Cypriot family – a culture that loves and celebrates food - and as a child she ate freely without issue. Stella’s real joy came from performing, grabbing every opportunity to perform both at home, and school.Despite her burgeoning talent Stella experienced an acute awareness of any ways in which she might be different. As she grew older these feelings left her feeling completely out of control. Secondary school was traumatic but at sixteen Stella fell in love with classical singing and three years later won a place at The Royal Northern School of Music.Stella aimed for perfection but leaving home coupled with her father’s cancer diagnosis and a relationship breakup sent her over the edge.Desperate for some control over her mental state she restricted her food intake, an old habit, which became so bad in her second year it was suggested she return home to recover.Periods of bingeing that she found terrifying and depression which nearly destroyed her followed as she struggled to get well. But with the help of her family, therapy and music she began to heal.Tune in to hear Stella’s take on eating disorders and how singing and writing are the bedrock for her recovery.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:20] - Food is foe[09:30] - Anorexia [27:00] - Music and recovery[33:00] - DefencesCONNECT WITH STELLA ANGELIKAStella’s Instagram @stellaangelikamusicStella’s TikTok @stellaangelikaListen to Stella’s music here! THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Oli was born via Caesarean (C-section). At nine months he developed a severe egg allergy and was given antibiotics for an ear infection.His Mum, heeding medical advice excluded nuts from Oli’s diet from then on in a bid to ease his symptoms - current thinking encourages the inclusion of potential allergens  Oli is aligned with growing evidence that delivery by C-section increases the risk of allergies and inhibits gut microbiome.Young Oli took his own special chocolate cake to birthday parties, as his Mum didn’t want him to feel left out. Later between the ages of 13- 20, he tried to ignore his allergies and luckily avoided serious illness.Oli’s struggles continued at University; he had two severe reactions within six months of one another a couple of years after his course finished. Years of hyper-vigilance and adrenal exhaustion were taking their toll and his anxiety levels rocketed. Every meal became a matter of life or death, with concerns about which foods would harm, maybe, kill, and which ones would heal.When Oli realised eating made him anxious he decided to, and I quote, “reduce the amount of times I’m eating a day to try and have fewer potential times of anxiety.”Oli developed an eating disorder.Join me and hear what it takes for Oli to live a life of balance when under constant threat and know that if you have life threatening allergies or intolerances you are not alone.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[07:00] - Allergies start[21:20] - A severe reaction[31:00] - Anxiety[43:25] - Lack of labellingCONNECT WITH OLI WEATHERALL:Oli's Instagram: @nutritionwitholiOli's Email: [email protected] THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Christian says, “ten years ago no one knew what a stoma was, especially if they were in their twenties” and it’s one reason why he didn’t share his stoma or condition with anyone other than family and close friends.Young Christian was a picky eater but as a teenager he enjoyed a more varied diet even showing an interest in nutrition.When Christian developed uncomfortable physical symptoms he went to his GP and was diagnosed with haemorrhoids and then IBS. However his discomfort persisted and a colonoscopy later confirmed that he was suffering from ulcerative colitis.Christian managed his pain with strong medication and some denial, putting off medical appointments when the pain lessened, preferring to “push on through”, working long, stressful, hours.Christian ultimately underwent the first of many operations, which was unsuccessful. His condition deteriorated resulting in him collapsing at a family party, he was rushed to hospital with only hours to live.After months of pain and trauma Christian’s bowel was removed and he was given a stoma.Join me to hear Christian’s incredible story and enlightening journey of life with a stoma - a must listen for anybody interested in gut health, nutrition and overcoming disease.P.S. Six weeks before this interview (May 2022) Christian’s stoma was removed and a new chapter in his life began. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:30] - Ulcerative Colitis[12:10] - Stoma[39:00] - Opens up about stoma[41:30] - Stoma freeCONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN HOLCOMBE:Christian’s Instagram: @chptwirralChristian’s Facebook: CH Personal Training WirralTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Carolina had an unstable childhood with an alcoholic father and emotionally distant mother who could be physically abusive. When Carolina was nine her mother put her on a diet.Bullying at school, compounded by disparaging remarks from her brothers made Carolina feel worthless, like “the fat kid” and as if she were somehow inherently wrong.However, it was her mother’s revelation during a rare conversation that catapulted her over the edge and into full-blown eating disorders.“The world just stopped, for such a long time, and then it just imploded.”Years of further trauma followed Carolina as she struggled with bulimia and anorexia. But one day when she lacked the strength to climb aboard the local bus, her best friend staged an intervention and with her help, Carolina slowly began to recover. Today Carolina is a mental health advocate and speaker intent on communicating a message of hope and freedom.Join me to hear Carolina’s inspirational story and how she managed to turn her life around and fully recover. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[08:00] - Family secret[18:40] - Recovery[24:25] - Depression[35:10] - Mental Health Advocate and BEAT AmbassadorCONNECT WITH CAROLINA MOUNTFORD:Carolina’s Instagram: @carolinamountfordCarolina’s Website: carolinamountford.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Carolyn Steel is a leading thinker on food and cities; she was hailed by The Ecologist Magazine as a, ‘21st Century Visionary.”Carolyn was brought up in a family who celebrated food at every opportunity. Her grandparents ran a country house hotel and Carolyn spent endless weekends in the kitchen behind the scenes fascinated with everything, food.She says, “Food is pure love. A love affair! I always get very excited when I’m hungry because I know it’s time to eat again.”Carolyn, initially, trained as an architect but when she learnt to view a “city” through the lens of food her work finally made sense. Her original book “Hungry City” explores how to feed a city and her follow up; “Sitopia” is about how food can save the world.Carolyn’s passion is based on how our society values food, or not. How it shapes our world, what that means and what we can do with that idea.Tune in to hear much more with the inspirational Carolyn Steel - she’s my choice for Prime Minister, President and Saviour of the Natural World and... The Universe.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[09:00] - Childhood at the hotel [21:00] - Social Reform[28:00] - Valuing Food[37:08] - SitopiaCONNECT WITH CAROLYN STEEL:Carolyn’s Twitter: @carolynsteelCarolyn’s Website: carolynsteel.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Dan was always the “skinny kid,” who played sports at Academy level. He had a small appetite and scant regard for food but was happy to eat whatever was put in front of him at home.Dan’s interest in food grew at University where he hit the gym to build muscle and attain the stereotypical male physique portrayed in videos, and the social media platforms at that time.Then food became functional, a tool for achieving goals, namely weight gain followed by weight loss. Dan found both journeys difficult and revelatoryBut his enjoyment and respect for food flourished when he left an unfulfilling career in television and began his nutritional training.Today Dan runs a compassionate and unique nutritional practice for his clients having “been there, and done that,” he understands what it takes to manage expectations around food, and live well.Join me to hear Dan’s expert take on nutrition, us having natter about societal pressures on men and women and how to make friends with food.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[06:45] - Changes body[15:40] - Pursuing the “ideal” physique[21:00] - Men and physiques[30:41] - Dan’s nutrition mission  CONNECT WITH DAN PRICE:Dan’s Instagram: @danprice_nutritionDan’s Website: danpricenutrition.com/ THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Niki Rein was born in Seattle where the climate, similar to Northern Europe, dictates a carbohydrate heavy diet.An avid soccer player and very active, Niki’s hormonal problems began when she was twelve. Years of debilitating symptoms, trips to the doctor and pharmaceutical prescriptions followed as Niki fought her body and her “unknown” condition.During her late teens Niki read “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” by Christiane Northrup who described the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Niki knew immediately that the description matched everything she had been going through and when a medical diagnosis confirmed her PCOS, she finally had something to work with.Niki moved to California where she drank vegetable juice, fasted, began isometric exercise and became gluten free. Her symptoms improved but still she relied on will power to “push on through.”The turning point came when Niki discovered Charles Poliquin and his low carbohydrate/no sugar way of eating as medicine and method for healing.Join me to hear Niki talk about PCOS and her expert advice from personal experience.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[03:00] - Hormonal issues[16:00] - Diagnosis of PCOS [26:00] - Dietary changes [33:20] - Charles Poliquin (First Biohacker)CONNECT WITH NIKI@niki_reinTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Compared to his younger brothers and school friends, Jamie was a ‘chubby kid’ who always wanted larger portions. At home, his parents made healthy, wholesome food, which meant Jamie ate well and freely. Today, he enjoys a well-nuanced relationship with food and his body.Jamie liked sport but when he went to University he fell in love with the gym and lifting weights.Initially pursuing a career in PR Jamie enjoyed socialising and office culture but his diet and exercise suffered.Later on, work felt unfulfilling. He changed jobs several times; chasing an elusive spark but the feeling of “floating along” remained until one day he burnt out.Right before the Pandemic, Jamie enrolled on a Personal Training (PT) course and when lockdown took hold, he was made redundant but he was finally free to pursue his dream and the work he loves.Join me to hear Jamie talk about balance; learning and how great it feels to start again.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:11 ] - Food is friend[15:50] - Changes his look[24:50] - Unfulfilled with life[29:55] - Training menopausal womenCONNECT WITH JAMIE:@jbournefitness@groundwork_training THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Sean was an overweight child, maybe because of his parents' divorce. One of Sean’s fondest food memories growing up is the Burger King, and Pizza Hut treats given him by his Mum who was a single parent.Sean’s life took off when he started his career in media production. Overnight all focus on food lessened, although being in the public eye brought certain pressures, which were reflected in his fluctuating weight and varied exercise regimes.When Sean first encountered veganism he took it on as a personal challenge liking that it was hard to do but finding it difficult to sustain.Fast-forward a few years and Sean re-committed to a vegan lifestyle. This time his motives were purely ethical and his experience entirely different.Veganism allows Sean to live a compassionate and conscious life. For him it is the only way.Today Sean is also a dedicated vegan advocate and promoter. He is the founder of SoFloVegans - representing the vegan community in South Florida and the author of Pre Vegans; ten inspiring stories from prominent vegans about how and why they started their vegan journey.Join me, be inspired by Sean, and understand why he loves all things vegan.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[07:50] - Angry Eating[13:00] - Finds veganism[22:25] - Effects from veganism[34:40] - Sean’s book Pre VegansCONNECT WITH SEAN RUSSELL:@SoFloVegans@seanrussell82THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Growing up in a small, parochial town Lizzie felt like an outsider, as if she didn’t belong.At school she viewed her body in a functional way – good for sports - not how it might appear to others and when critical comments were made she became bulimic. When Lizzie went to University and found her “tribe” the bulimia stopped. Lizzie spent time working as a model, despite the scrutiny, she felt empowered. But when her Mum died, after a short illness Lizzie was heart-broken. She began to binge in secret.For the next few years Lizzie kept her binge eating disorder hidden while maintaining a happy façade although inside she was very distressed. One day Lizzie decided enough was enough and enrolled onto a coaching programme with Chase Life Consulting - how to Overcome Binge Eating run by Rachel and David Godfrey. Lizzie credits the course with changing her life. Join me and find out how Lizzie transformed her eating habits and why she no longer feels the need to hide. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[12:30] - Binge Eating Disorder[13:00] - Mum dies[19:00] - Meets coaches[32:33] - Grief and PTSDCONNECT WITH LIZZIE: @lizzieackerleyN1 GymCHASE LIFE CONSULTING:Check out their website and courses here. Rachel Godfrey @athleticfoxDavid Godfrey @dxgodfreyTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

“Food is joyful, sensual, fulfilling and stimulating. I think it is one of life’s primary and biggest pleasures.”Courtney hails, originally, from Texas but spent her formative years in Los Angeles training as a dancer and modelling.Not surprisingly body issues dominated, and within her family, great emphasis was placed on physicality.Basing her value as a person on her outward appearance affected Courtney’s mental health but everything fell into place when she swapped dance training for a career in psychology.Courtney moved to London and worked in an NHS Eating Disorder Service team. This foundational training and experience inspired her to create Altum Health – a private therapy led practice providing care and support for anyone suffering with eating disorders and body issues.You can find Courtney at Altum Health on Upper Woburn Place in Central London and listen to her sharing her knowledge and expertise on eating disorders and plenty more in this episode.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:15] - Early Life[18:00] - Altum Health[26:00] - Reasons for ED’SCONNECT WITH DR. COURTNEY:Altum Health WebsiteInstagram: @altum_healthTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

WELCOME TO SEASON 4! Joining us for the first episode is body activist, Serena Nangia.Serena is a disruptor. Her mission is to challenge prejudicial beliefs about body issues and stereotypes. She raises the voices of those who are ignored or living in marginalised communities.  Serena grew up in a busy household. Both her parents worked long hours as medical practitioners, despite her mother’s ill health. It was Serena who first spotted her younger sister’s eating disorder and there is good reason as to why Serena is known as, “second Mum” in her family. Caring for her sister had profound and long-lasting effects on Serena and informed her chosen career. This period in her life formed the bedrock of her professional and voluntary work.Serena lives happily in a large body; negative attitudes and comments are turned to her advantage. It is her outlook, sense of justice and equanimous personality that drives Serena’s Body Activism and transforms her into the Body Activist she is today.Join Jemma and be inspired by Serena Nangia.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:40] - Family[19:15] - Mind, body connection[27:26] - REBEL[31:50] - Body ImageCONNECT WITH SERENA NANGIA:@thebodyactivistsSerena’s PodcastFacebook PageTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Lydia led an expat lifestyle, forever on the move due to her father’s job. By seventeen, Lydia had been to eleven schools. No time to make friends or put down roots. Consequently she suffered from depression and craved parental attention.Lydia enjoyed food, despite some critical comments from family members, and went along with her parents as they embraced healthy eating and exercise. But life began to unravel when the family relocated to Indonesia and she became unwell – a cycle of compulsive exercise, anorexia and bulimia.The all-familiar, familial struggles coupled with an abusive relationship cemented her misery. Being accepted into an English University allowed her to escape and she cut the ties that bound her. She felt better as soon as she boarded the plane.After her degree, Lydia went to work in Myanmar. She loved it until the morning of February 1st, 2021, when the National League for Democracy (NLD) was deposed by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) and a state of emergency was declared. Once again Lydia was trapped but this time by a military coup.Tune in to hear about Lydia’s escape from Myanmar and her compelling story.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[03:40] - Family fixated on food [11:00] - Eating Disorders start[24:23] - Needs help, treatment[31:05] - Goes to MyanmarCONNECT WITH LYDIA GOLDMAN:Instagram: @lydiagoldmanLydia’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LydiaZachary/videosTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

Ian was a sensitive child who suffered debilitating migraines and digestive issues from a young age.Desperate to be free of these symptoms, Ian eliminated certain foods that severely restricted his diet. His parents, both professional chefs, did their utmost to feed him healthy and varied food, especially his Mum. But, what they couldn’t prevent was the extreme anxiety Ian felt and the physical behaviours he exhibited as a result of their divorce.Some respite came by way of a therapist (which was unusual for a child in 1970’s Britain) and Ian enjoyed moments of “chill” during their sessions. But the physical signs and anxiety persisted into adult life as Ian constantly assessed his diet and lifestyle.At long last, age forty-eight, Ian was formally diagnosed with ADHD and his world began to make sense.Join me to hear how Ian copes and what a relief it is to finally understand himself.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:20] - Food always a problem[16:10] - Migraines and ADHD[19:40] - ADHD triggers in childhood [28:00] - Eating with the right intentionCONNECT WITH IAN CHATTAM:Instagram: @sackofsoulWebsite: m.soundcloud.com/sack-of-soulTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word.

Sally Dixon aka The Fertility Chef has had an interesting relationship with food.As a young child, she regularly enjoyed restaurants with her parents.At fifteen Sally stopped eating. Months later and to the relief of her worried parents Sally saved them further upset when she declared herself “too thin” in some holiday snaps. And she began to eat again.As a student Sally eschewed making food in the shared, and grubby collegiate kitchen for meals from a tin. Even later, working in the fashion industry meant long hours and even shorter meals.But it was when Sally ran her own business under 24/7 pressures that she perfected her non-intake of non-food, opting instead for a protein shake or snack bar.In 2016, Sally underwent two, unsuccessful, IVF cycles and for the first time began to examine the relationship between food/nutrition and fertility. It was the wake up call she needed. Join me to hear about Sally’s thoughts on food, nutrition and fertility experiences. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS[06:00] - Food Intolerances[11:00] -  Too thin, turning point[15:50] - Low Fat Era[31:00] - Grandmother’s Green’sCONNECT WITH SALLY:Instagram: @thefertilitychefWebsite: www.thefertilitychef.co.ukTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

Eve is the deputy health editor at The Mail on Sunday - a writer and a journalist. Eve has happy childhood memories around food.At school she felt different, shy and “uncomfortable in her own skin.”Four days before Eve’s thirteenth birthday her father died. Two years later she experienced her first serious bout of anxiety.Eve’s anxiety remained constant, at University, and beyond as she started her new career within the media/fashion industry.Work was exciting and stressful. Prior to her new job Eve dismissed fashion’s ideas around health and ‘thinness’ as ridiculous.But now she was in it, she felt conflicted. She skipped breakfast and then lunch – the weight fell off – which made her one of the gang, a cool girl, until, finally, reducing dinner to the smallest size seemed completely normal. It wasn’t long before Eve was barely able to eat at all.Within a few short months Eve developed anorexia nervosa. As her recovery began she received treatment as a day patient but when that didn’t work she was admitted full time onto a psychiatric ward. An experience Eve likens to the Ken Kesey novel and 1975 film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:30] - Descent into Anorexia[14:00] - Influences at work[27:20] - Realisation[30:30] - Treatment CONNECT WITH EVE:Instagram: @eviesimm & @notplantbasedWebsite: www.dailymail.co.ukTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word.

Tallulah Rendall is a singer/songstress and sound therapist. She was only seven when sent to boarding school and attributes her career to not only “healing the experiences” she had then, but also helping her navigate through life’s challenges.Significantly, during her teens, Tallulah caught glandular fever, which made her instantly allergic to a long list of foods coupled with multiple physical symptoms. She was often defeated by her weakened immune system and digestive issues caused by endless antibiotics.Later, on tour in Australia, she collapsed from hypoglycemia caused by the rigors of being on the road, poor nutrition and not looking after herself. It was the shock and wake-up call Tallulah needed for better health and listening to her body.Tune in to hear Tallulah’s inspiring healing journey through music and sound.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:10] - Allergic to everything[15:27] - Why Tallulah didn’t develop an eating disorder [23:00] - Gong baths[30:00] - Politics around food CONNECT WITH TALLULAH:Instagram: @talullahrendallWebsite: tallulahrendall.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

Dan was an overweight child. From an early age he ate big portions, especially the man-sized breakfasts cooked by his Dad (before school). Dan felt happy, momentarily, when full.No one ever said, “that’s too much,” or, “you don’t need all that”. He wished they had.Dan loved competitive sports and still does. He considers it an effective remover of bias gaining self-worth and confidence through sporting prowess. Dan threw himself into everything. Locker-room banter sometimes hurt. Again, no one asked whether his increasing weight was symptomatic of distress. And, again, he wished they had.Dan’s late teens and twenties were challenging. Two jobs, health issues and his younger brother suffering with severe BDD piled on the pressure. Dan continued to binge, secretly, night after night. His weight soared.But when Dan’s Mum, planning for her wedding and undergoing her own transformation, took Dan to their local ParkRun the light finally switched on.Dan made small, incremental changes. Cut sugar in tea. Committed to the Park Run. Slowly, and surely regaining control over his behaviours.Tune in to hear Dan’s inspiring story of how he strives to be a better person and make every second count. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:00] - Divorce, overweight child[15:40] - Relationship with food[20:10] - Bingeing[33:00] - Dan at his heaviest and how he turned his life aroundListen to Dan's mum Debbie, chat with Jemma in Episode 20, here. CONNECT WITH DAN:Instagram: @danbutchermkTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show!We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

When Debbie Butcher was nineteen she left home for a new life in the South East despite her Mum begging her not to go. Leaving was the worst decision Debbie ever made and to this day, she remains full of regret.It wasn’t long before her two adorable sons were born, but the wedded bliss Debbie left home for, ebbed away leaving her feeling lost, isolated and alone.With no one to turn to, Debbie sought comfort in food. Overnight, her once healthy and balanced way of eating became obsessive and compulsive compounded by bingeing in secret.Debbie’s binge eating cycles continued for many years, never more so than during the decade her youngest son suffered with an extreme and violent Body Dysmorphic Disorder.Tune in and listen to Debbie’s extraordinary story and why she will never give up. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:00] - Early years[14:14] - Compulsive Eating[25:28] - Son’s bravery confronting his BDD made Debbie change[31:45] - Why Debbie never gave upListen to Debbie's son Dan, chat with Jemma in Episode 21, here. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show!We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

When Jay was tiny he spat out the food prepared by his Mum. As he grew, despite her best efforts, Jay would only eat processed food. He was, he says, “an absolute nightmare!”His Mum, keen for Jay to eat, filled the cupboards with chicken nuggets, pizza and spaghetti hoops, which Jay washed down with vast quantities of Dr Pepper.This heady combination kept him going at school and on the football field until one day Jay gave up his dreams of a professional football career and moved to London for a Personal Training course.For the first time Jay learnt about nutrition. The lights were on! Food was fuel and Jay needed to train and eat well to achieve his goals.Today, Jay is Director of Trainer Development at TRX UK and an athletic machine. Join me to hear how he did it and now maintains it.  EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:40] - Food as enemy[13:00] - Jay finds new way of eating[24:00] - Going to restaurants[40:00] - Bit of TRXCONNECT WITH JAY:Instagram: @trxtraining, @jaybrockwaytrx & @nikoandjayWebsite: club.trxtraining.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

Sarah Liz King was a straight ‘A’, high achieving, show jumping and dressage competing kid. This mentality served her well until a digestive issue had her cutting out food groups and later, while training for the bodybuilding, “bikini class”, in the grip of a serious exercise addiction“The smaller I got, the unhappier I got, and the smaller my life became.” Exhausted, trapped and in a downward spiral, Sarah reached out for help.  With the right support she was able to unwind and, finally, recover. Today Sarah is Health at Every Size (HAES) Exercise Physiologist specializing in hypothalamic amenorrhea and runs a thriving coaching practice and podcast.Join me to hear how Sarah turned her life around and thrived.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02:30] - Food is friend. Former foe.[11:30] - Exercise addiction/bodybuilding[20:00] - Sarah’s Recovery[30:48] - Hear about Sarah’s work especially Hypothalamic AmenorrheaCONNECT WITH SARAH:Instagram: @sarahlizkingWebsite: sarahlizking.comHolistic Health Radio PodcastTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

When Hope was very young she was scared of food. It made her nervous, and “afraid, for a very long time.” Family meals were dysfunctional; arguments commonplace at the dinner table.Unable to express herself and hyper-aware of what she looked like, Hope followed diets, counted calories and fought for control by restricting her food.When she was sexually abused, Hope buried the feeling that there was something “categorically wrong” with her deep within her psyche.Later, Hope’s anorexia made her feel invincible. Protected. However on holiday with teenage friends, Hope realised no one else was eating or living her way. Join us to hear about Hope’s new approach to life, recovery and, magnificent, campaign, “Dump The Scales.” EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:20] - Sexual abuse and controlling food[12:00] - Potential causes of Hope’s Anorexia[21:00] - Treatment centre/ward[35:00] - “Dump The Scales”CONNECT WITH HOPE VIRGO:Instagram: @hopevirgo_#DumpTheScalesTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

Harriet was brought up on a busy family farm. Her Mum was a great cook and Harriet had a healthy relationship with food. But during her teenage years she developed bulimia nervosa when she tried to break free from familial expectations.Harriet found freedom at University and through travel. She returned to the UK to further study. As her understanding and fascination around eating disorders grew, she felt finally able to let go of her destructive behaviours. Harriet now works as a therapist in an adult Eating Disorder Unit and runs a small private practice. She is also creator of the highly successful, The Eating Disorder Therapist podcast.Join me to hear Harriet’s story and her views on the psychology around food.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[05:20] - Life on the farm [18:00] - Harriet gets her freedom but is still bulimic[23:00] - Counsellor training[32:00] - General ED chit-chatCONNECT WITH HARRIET:Instagram: @_the_eating_disorder_therapistWebsite: www.theeatingdisordertherapist.co.ukThe Eating Disorder Therapist PodcastTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are also currently running a Crowdfunder to help those who cannot afford 1:1 therapy and need it the most. You can check it out here and I’d appreciate any donations and if you could spread the word. 

Susan Burton is an author, writer and editor on This American Life. Her brilliant memoir Empty was published in 2020 to critical acclaim.  Chronicling the binge-eating disorder and subsequent anorexia which dominated Susan’s life, Empty is a must read for anyone with any type of eating disorder/addiction or for those who simply love a good book.As a kid Susan was scared of food. Scared that food would make her sick or that, “something would get in me, that I could never get out.” When she was nine she went on a diet and barely ate for a week. She felt light and empty.Years later, Susan was commissioned to write about the cultural history of teenage girlhood but her own story kept butting in and demanding to be heard.I feel very strongly that by having these intimate and maybe difficult conversations the healing can start. As  our vulnerability is shared, our shame, the most toxic of all, can be publicly aired.  Join me to find out about Susan’s story and her book Empty. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[03:00] - Scared of food - picky[13:00] - Sophomore year - light and empty[19:00] - Bingeing[30:00] - Anorexia and marriage[39:02] - Writing EmptyCONNECT WITH SUSAN:Instagram: @susanmasonburtonWebsite: susanburton.netSusan’s memoir EMPTY @randomhouseTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

JL was brought up on a farm in Southern Australia. She was a perfect student and daughter but life at home was strict and often cruel. At fifteen, in a new school, JL was bullied. She wondered if it was down to how she looked and longing for acceptance decided not to eat.Years of anorexia, marriage and children followed along with OCD, depersonalisation, illness and suicidal depression. When her marriage collapsed JL held it together for the sake of her kids but it was only when she met a therapist and began to unearth forgotten memories around sexual abuse that she was able to heal.Find out how JL took her life back and hear her extraordinary story from her book, Anorexia Unlocked: Understanding Your Story Through Mine by JL Keez.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[08.24] - Became anorexic, back story[18.00] - Pregnancy triggers OCD [23.00] - Develops’ “dreaming”[23.34] - Sexual Abuse [37.58] - Why didn’t JL go under?CONNECT WITH JL KEEZ:Instagram: @jlkeezanorexiaunlockedWebsite: jlkeez.com.auTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

Maria is a psychologist and educator.Maria was born and raised in Argentina. As a kid she loved to dance. Her Mum was a great role model but Maria still felt not good enough amongst her “beautiful” peers.After some tough years at school, Maria’s interest in the mind-body connection led her to study psychology, move to London and continue her psychological quest.And then, out of the blue, devastating news: Maria’s Mum died.Months later, still numb with disbelief, Maria was invited to study at the Tamalpa Institute for Expressive Arts in California. She packed her bags and once there began to unpack her grief.Join me to hear Maria’s inspirational story, the link between grief and food and Maria’s concept of the homebody.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[01:20] Concept of the “homebody” around grief[10:00] Pressures/notions around the “Argentine” woman[14:40] Dealing with grief (and somatic training at Tampala Institute)[27:40] Amy Winehouse Foundation CONNECT WITH MARIA:Instagram: @maria.iggyWebsite: theembodimentcorner.com THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

Ian Puleston-Davies was an anxious boy who dreamt of being an astronaut. Not to see the moon or world from space, but so he could eat NASA’S packs of powdered food worry free. At home, gravy splashed on plates turned the food to ‘goo and stick.’ Tiptoeing over manure into Auntie Margaret’s farmhouse kitchen, where food was thrown about, had Ian shaking and twitching in his own private bedlam.For Ian, the kitchen is a nuclear reactor: a place of contamination. Sell by dates glow neon and mean poison. He longs to cook from his cookery book collection but preparing food is impossible for him. Eating out is worse. Much worse. But he manages to eat. Once the rituals are complete and he’s, finally, sat down. Find out how Ian manages his lifelong struggle with OCD and how it hijacks his relationship with food in this funny, poignant episode with actor, writer and director Ian Puleston Davies. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[02.40] - What’s difficult about food?[07.01] - Anxious seven year old[11.50] - Relationship between me, food and my condition.[24.36] - Ritual in restaurants[37.35] - It’s a miracle Ian eats at allCONNECT WITH IAN PULESTON-DAVIES:Instagram: ipd_ianTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

Tracy Northampton is a psychotherapist and yoga teacher specialising in eating disorders and addiction. She is Governor at St Andrew’s Healthcare, Patron of the Body Dysmorphic Foundation and, currently, runs a private practice in Central London. When Tracy was young the family kitchen was a no-go zone. Meals were rushed - eat to survive, get the job done. In her teens study replaced sport and she became bulimic. Guilt and shame were the tenants in her secret life until a chance encounter with Princess Diana helped her fully recover and pursue her psychotherapeutic career.  Tracy’s niece Charlotte suffered with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. She hated her face; life was, simply, unbearable. As a direct result of her illness she took her own life. Join me to hear about Tracy’s early days and personal trials, her subsequent professional expertise and the devastation caused by Body Dysmorphic Disorder.This episode is dedicated to Charlotte. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04:50] - Food as enemy[10:34] - EDA conference. Tracy’s turning point[16:34] - Princess Diana and Susie Orbach[25:00] - What is the right support for ED’S?[33:30] - Charlotte’s storyInstagram: @falconhotelcastleashbyWebsite: tracynorthampton.com and bddfoundation.orgTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

Katie’s Mum was often on a diet and struggled with her body. When Katie followed suit her Mum said she was perfect. But Katie felt confused.“I couldn’t trust what she was telling me.” The discrepancy rang loud and clear.At Grad School Katie over-exercised, controlled her food and ended up bulimic. But when she finally understood, “It’s not the pain that brings us down, it’s the shame around the pain.” (Glennon Doyle) her world began to change. Find out how Katie turned her recovery and body into a creative project with her cartoon memoir FED UP: An Illustrated Guide To Food Freedom, available in brilliant, self-effacing detail for big kids and adults by Katie Barbaro.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[09.50] - Control Master of the Universe[15.40] - The thing with bulimia….[22.30] - Met someone and opened up about eating disorders[33.20] - Major relapse, routine interrupted[39.00] - FED UP THE BOOKCONNECT WITH KATIE BARBARO:Instagram: @thefedupthebookWebsite: katiebarbaro.comInfo about Katie’s book: thefedupbook.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

Abby is a registered associate nutritionist, personal trainer and founder of A + NUTRITION. At school, Abby played sports to a high level. Her skinny friends called her ‘muscly’ but she lived to eat and took care of her nutritional needs.However, at University her relationship with food and exercise soured and she developed anorexia and bulimia. What had started as one thing became something else entirely. But, Abby is ambitious; she knew her lifestyle and the resultant damage would prevent her achieving her goals, and maybe, destroy her chance to become a Mum. So… she decided to stop her behaviours… and get better.Find out how the tenacious Abby conquered her demons and continues to learn from her recovery.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[05.31] - Body image and Body Dysmorphia[10.00] - Eating disorders start[20.44] - Scared of harming self[27.00] - Yoga helps conquer urges[33.03] - Food as a characterCONNECT WITH ABBY ATTENBOROUGH:Instagram: @aplus.nutritionWebsite: aplus-nutrition.comTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

Niko Algieri is an entrepreneur, celebrity personal trainer and TRX Director of Trainer Branding. Born into a family of elite athletes he felt compelled to continue the family theme. Fitness is his life and business is booming but it takes mettle to stay at the top. For Niko food is friend AND foe.  He says, “how can it not be both?’ But it’s not easy. Even for him.  Find out what Niko thinks about food, fitness and more while you run in the park or put your feet up. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[09.30] - Family bonds and food ties[13.26] - TRX - explained![16.00] - Coffee - the wake up call [24.40] - Fitness Industry and ED’S [29.50] - How Social Media fuels and distorts us allCONNECT WITH NIKO ALGIERI:Instagram: @nikoalgieri and @nikoandjayWebsite: nikoalgieri.netTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING! If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

Robin Harford is a plant based forager, ethnobotanical researcher and wild food educator. As a child Robin sought sanctuary in the woods and moorlands of Devon and later in alcohol and drugs. But, the wild plants of yore were never far from his mind.So, when life as he knew it fell apart he settled to study the plants of his youth and included many from all over the world.  In forests, jungles and cities, he learnt to pause, sense and nibble.Find out how Robin’s recovery practice helps him get into “the subtle nuances of flavour which lead into the subtle nuances of place”, enabling him to find his feet.EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:[04.10] Food is friend… or is it?[11.00] Relationship with plants[26.00] Foraging - metaphor for life[33.00] If you were a plant, what would you be?[36.40] Ground IvyCONNECT WITH ROBIN HARFORD:Instagram: @robinjharfordRobin's Website: eatweeds.co.ukTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

We are BACK for another season of This Food Thing!After receiving such amazing feedback from Season 1, we knew we had to continue the podcast and conversation of food, whether it's friend or foe. We've got an awesome line up of guests for this season and I can't wait to share them with you! The first episode of Season 2 will be launching on April 23, 2021 at 9am, London time. In the meantime, head over to @thisfoodthingpodcast to catch all the sneaky peeks before the Season Two launch and don't forget to subscribe!

Ian took his first martial arts class when he was five. With his professional fight career behind him he continues to live and breathe every hook and jab. What Ian doesn’t know about boxing, isn’t worth knowing. However, he readily admits to the industry’s disavowal regarding eating disorders. It’s not even up for discussion.   But we discussed it, and then some more. Listen to the expert Mister Streetz and his brilliant, fighting talk. Episode Timestamps:[03:15] - Ian’s relationship with food and olfactory nerve damage[10:00] - Reflecting on childhood memories[11:40] - Cutting weight for fights, extreme dehydration[20:40] - Discussing depression and anxiety [23:00] - Eating disorders within boxing, sacrifice and exercise addiction[31:00] - Young boys and men in boxing, the “dog” within[37:44] - Training for survival[44:00] - Five Foods Ian would take to an islandThank you for tuning in!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

When Charlotte was a child, food was limited and plain. Sometimes, she went to bed hungry. As a dancer this helped her limit her food and over-train, such were the demands of her profession. But it didn’t help her overall health and wellbeing. Charlotte avoided the various pitfalls in the dancing world but even now she struggles to eat “different” food and feels too poor to eat posh. Hear how she maintains balance in her new life. Episode Timestamps:[02:37] - Food in the dancing world[10:03] - Poor, potatoes and going to bed hungry[15:14]- Embarrassment around food[15:44] - Eating in public[21:30] - Over exercise[22:47] - Man on the beach[31:05] - The “bikini” audition[33:00] - Tasmanian devil and Charlotte’s Five Foods she would take to an islandThank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

Maali was bullied at school and became bulimic when she was a teen. Her love of performing kept her sane but at home her ‘perfect’ Mum and older sister added to the mix. Maali veers between not eating and binging. Sometimes, when she’s busy she forgets but most days are a constant battle. She’s not ready to stop her behaviours, however harmful, because right now... they help. Listen to Maali’s candid overview on what led her to this place.Episode Timestamps:[03:58]- Being bullied from 6-18 years old[06:48] - Bulimia and body discomfort[10:05] - Parents and perfect sister[15:20] - Burst blood vessel, self-hate and shame[20:30] - What Maali’s bulimia means and the effects[24:43] - Therapy, friends, Maali moves away[37:38] - The Maali Pot[43:47] - The Five Foods Maali would take to an islandThank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

Jane Perry was brought up in suburban Canada.As a child she experienced conflict around food. When her best friend’s Mums’ said, “You’re too fat to play with our daughters” the scene was set for bulimia, over- exercise and shame.Now fully recovered and a successful actor, feelings of shame and not being good enough still arise, especially, in front of the camera. In this episode, hear the myriad ways Jane manages her issues and how her love of acting saves the day. Episode Timestamps:[02:00] - Using food as a reward[08:55] - “Too fat to play with our daughters” [13:00] - Bulimic at 14 years old[14:35] - Acting saves the day[17:30] - Dealing with shame[31:00] - Over-exercising[36:30] - Food politics[38:26] - Jane’s Five Foods she would take to an islandThank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

Roger recalls how his Dad’s comment, “Roger you’re getting a spare tyre”, helped set him up for a painful and profound relationship with his body until a life-changing conversation with a Robin. Join me in this first guest episode to hear how Roger conquered his demons and turned his life around, as he struggled with bulimia, alcohol and self-acceptance. A story that has the potential to be doom and gloom is in fact warm, funny and wise.Episode Timestamps:[02:23] - Dad’s ‘spare tyre’ comment[09:26] - Roger’s food issues start: Laxatives, alcohol and bingeing [16:50] - Roger meets a robin[21:15] - New beginnings[28:50] - Regret, guilt and triggers[31:29] - Stand-up comedy and everything changes[33:25] - The Pillsbury dough boy[41:00] - Roger’s Five Foods to an islandThank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page!

My first guest of the season, Roger Lloyd-Thompson, plays interviewer and asks ME about my eating disorders.It seems only fair if I am to expect the same from others. Eating disorders are difficult to talk about, however recovered. I believe that eating disorders are about unmanageable feelings. Once we stop the physical behaviours what do we do with them? I hope these conversations shed light in dark corners, prompt debate and, at best, heal.Episode Timestamps:[01:50] - How my story begins[08:20] - Childhood memories, golden syrup and skinny legs[24:30] - Bulimia[28:14] - Anorexia[32:00] - Therapy and tough love[38:00] - Pivotal moment of recovery[40:00] - Sitting with feelings[47:00] - Getting betterThank you for listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes, it helps with the ranking and as this is a brand new podcast, I’d be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! 

After suffering with eating disorders and being consumed by my relationship with food for years, I wanted to open up the conversation now that I'm out the other side.Launching on 8th January 2021, this podcast is a series of conversations with special guests discussing their own experiences with food, whether friend or foe and how it affects their behaviour.In the meantime, head over to @thisfoodthingpodcast to catch all the sneak peeks before the official launch and don't forget to subscribe!