Peace Meal

Episode description: Research suggests that up to half of people with eating disorders also struggle with substance misuse, and about 35% of people with substance use disorder also have an eating disorder. In this episode, Jillian breaks down why these conditions so often overlap, what’s happening inside the brain when they do, and why treating them as separate issues can work against recovery. If you or someone you care about is navigating both an eating disorder and a substance use disorder, this episode is a useful place to start. As Jillian affirms, “It is never too late, and it is never too early to reach out for help.” We cover: Why SUDs and EDs co-occur as frequently as they do The role of shame in driving and maintaining these cycles How treatment is typically sequenced, and why that order matters Why going at it alone makes healing harder About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Shena Washburn, Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition and Culinary Services at The Emily Program, joins us for a timely conversation about the newly released Food Guide Pyramid—what it says, what it doesn't, and what it means in the context of eating disorder recovery. Together, Shena and Jillian explore how public nutrition messaging can reinforce the kind of food hierarchies and moral judgments that make recovery harder, how eating disorder treatment approaches nutrition differently, and what the role of a dietitian in eating disorder care looks like. About Shena: Shena Washburn is the Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition and Culinary Services at The Emily Program, with over 15 years of experience in nutrition, mental health, and eating disorders. As a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C) through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), Shena leads efforts to advance the integration of nutrition and culinary services within eating disorder care. Her clinical interests include sports nutrition, digestive health, nutrition-focused physical exam, mindfulness-based approaches, and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). In addition to her leadership role, Shena is passionate about supporting individuals in developing a balanced and sustainable relationship with food, movement, and their bodies. She is equally dedicated to fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary care, with a strong focus on mentoring professionals, improving systems, and cultivating leadership within her teams. Outside of work, Shena enjoys dancing, gardening, and spending time with her two young children. We cover: How and why nutrition messaging has shifted from the 1990s Food Guide Pyramid to today's inverted triangle The moral weight our culture places on food, and how that complicates recovery What “all foods fit” means in eating disorder treatment Why the work of an eating disorder dietitian is similar to that of an archaeologist What Shena would change about cultural nutrition messaging In Shena’s words: On why she became an eating disorder dietitian: "I sought out eating disorder care as a dietitian because I don't like to tell people what not to eat… We're here to help you repair the relationship with food and get curious about messaging and curious about your body's needs.” On what public nutrition messaging can't capture: "These public guidelines are population-level tools. They don't know you, they don't know me… This is where that 'all foods fit' comes in...It doesn't mean nutrition doesn't matter. It means food shouldn't be governed by fear and by morality." On approaching nutrition in eating disorder care: "The focus is more on restoring nutritional adequacy, consistent eating patterns, metabolic stability, and flexibility with food… We work to deconstruct a lot of the morality that gets assigned to food and eating." About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme is "Discover the Power of Nutrition." For folks struggling with an eating disorder or navigating recovery, the word "nutrition" can feel powerfully loaded. Eating disorders disrupt your ability to nourish yourself—to eat consistently, to eat enough, to eat with variety and flexibility. Diet culture makes that even harder, reinforcing the idea that food is something to earn or control. In this episode, Jillian talks about what it looks like to reclaim nutrition in recovery, and how the work of nutritional rehabilitation, as hard as it is, can ultimately move you toward a more peaceful and empowering relationship with food. We cover: What makes nutritional rehabilitation so difficult How diet culture can keep people stuck The role of an eating disorder dietitian in recovery About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Jason shares his story of recovering from an eating disorder as a male, including why, after more than 25 years of recovery, he felt called to share his story publicly. Jason traces the roots of his eating disorder back to the weight-cutting culture of competitive wrestling in high school, where restrictive and binge eating cycles were normalized and even encouraged by coaching staff. Those patterns followed him into college, where isolation and stress deepened his struggles. Without many resources or relatable voices to turn to, Jason navigated much of his recovery on his own. Today, Jason channels the wisdom of his journey into raising his two young daughters with open conversations about feelings, balanced approaches to food, and a foundation of unconditional love. His message to anyone still fighting in silence: you are loved, you are enough, and recovery is possible. About Jason: Jason Peterson is an advocate for eating disorder awareness—especially among males. He is passionate about sailing, meditation, and gratitude. If you are interested in connecting with Jason, you can send him an email at [email protected]. Read Jason’s previous guest blog for The Emily Program: A Letter To Those Fighting in Silence. We cover: The role of competitive sports culture in the development of eating disorders The unique challenges males face in seeking help and feeling seen How self-affirmation practices can support recovery The importance of modeling emotional openness and a balanced relationship with food for kids In Jason’s words: On the impact of his self-affirmation practice: "I started to put sticky notes up and around my dorm room, literally like, 'you are loved.' Honestly, it was those notes that helped me truly [feel] like, ‘okay, I’m going to make it through one more day’ and ‘let’s just take it one day at a time.’” On promoting self-worth and self-love with his daughters: “Having open conversations, really of just sharing your feelings, you can cry, you can have all these different emotions, helping you regulate emotions…that is what I've been doing for them. Having that [kind of] support at four, five, six, seven, it’s instrumental. My oldest is in competitive dance, and it’s really important to know that it’s not about winning the competition. It’s about loving yourself, and just doing your best every day and having fun, you know, bringing joy. It's a gift that you're able to even do this…That's the attitude that we're taking and that she embraces.” On the possibility of recovery and moving forward: "I have compassion for [anyone who feels like recovery isn’t possible], because I went through that. I was in that chair where I didn’t know how to get up. We tell ourselves these things that are limiting beliefs. [Try to] catch that and replace it with an empowering belief that ‘it is possible.’ Even if it feels like a lie…yes, I have the possibility to no longer have [the eating disorder] be a part of my life and to have more connection, more peace, more calm. Have grace for yourself, one day at a time, one hour at a time, and just keep repeating it.” About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Recovery is hard work. Eating disorders are tenacious illnesses that fight to stick around, convincing you they’re keeping you safe even as they chip away at your joy, health, and freedom. When you’re in the thick of your healing work, it’s natural to ask yourself, “Why am I doing this again?” In this episode, Jillian validates the natural ebb and flow of recovery motivation while exploring the many reasons to keep going. You'll find practical tools for the tough moments, and hear why people who’ve walked this path say it’s both the hardest and the best thing they’ve ever done. We cover: Why eating disorders can feel protective Why your reasons for recovery are uniquely yours (and allowed to shift) Strategies you can return to when recovery ambivalence shows up About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, dietitian Gretchen Wallace joins us to explore how we can protect the next generation’s relationship with food. Together, we unpack why body image struggles in adolescence shouldn’t be dismissed as a harmless phase—and why the fact that these struggles are common doesn’t mean they’re acceptable or something young people should simply have to endure. Gretchen sheds light on the environmental influences that shape kids’ views of food and bodies, from developmentally inappropriate health class curricula to the highly curated world of social media. She challenges the idea that nutrition should feel like a math problem, offering a more compassionate, body-trusting framework instead. With warmth and wisdom, Gretchen outlines a hopeful, practical roadmap for families—one that emphasizes supportive boundaries, curiosity, and compassion as the foundation for lasting food freedom. About Gretchen: Gretchen Wallace, MS, RD, LD (she/her) has worked in the eating disorder field since 2016, with extensive experience treating adolescents and young adults. She has served in a variety of settings—including college campuses and eating disorder treatment facilities—and has developed early intervention programs. Today, she offers her services through her own private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. Gretchen’s practice style is evidence-based and collaborative, grounded in the belief that her clients know themselves best. Her sessions focus on understanding what each person is experiencing, identifying what they want to change, and partnering with them to work toward those goals. When she’s not with clients, Gretchen enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs (Rita and Barry), trying new restaurants, hiking, camping, or catching up on a favorite TV show. We cover: Why parents and caregivers are “a necessary and vital part” of the treatment team The dangers of normalizing adolescent body dissatisfaction and restrictive eating patterns Why certain health class activities can cause unintended harm What it means to shift from “math-based” nutrition toward internal body trust How to curate your social media feed to support recovery values Why the first step toward recovery doesn’t have to be a “giant swoop” In Gretchen’s words: On the myth that body‑dissatisfaction is just part of growing up: “There is so much…almost pro-eating disorder content all around us…pro-dieting, pro-trying to change your body, hating our bodies, or seeing our bodies as wrong. I've had parents say, ‘Isn't that just what teenagers have? Isn't that just normal?’ And to that I say: normal doesn't mean good. Normal doesn't mean ideal. It is so incredibly normal for teenagers and young adults to struggle with body image, and sometimes we don't just grow out of that. Oftentimes, that can follow us throughout life.” On health class lessons that miss the mark: “I’ve heard health classes talking about making kids calorie count or…calculating their ideal BMI. All of that is building these skills [that] we don’t actually want kids to have. I don’t need kids worrying about their weight and their BMI. I need kids learning to trust their body, learning to understand what feels good and what doesn’t feel good…When we can help kids actually cue into their body, we're giving them these life skills that they can use forever.” On the challenge—and ultimate reward—of recovery: “You’re essentially forging an entirely new path up a mountain...it’s going to feel more difficult than staying with your eating disorder. [But] once that path is forged and you figured out your way to the top without your eating disorder, the next time, it’s not as hard; the trail is there...And after a while, the eating disorder path is going to grow over and be the harder trail to go up.” Additional Resources: Gretchen maintains a regularly updated list of anti-diet, body-inclusive social media accounts and newsletters on her Substack, The Full Life. Explore the list: Anti-Diet Online Resources. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: It happens like clockwork: a new year arrives, and with it, renewed pressures to shrink, sculpt, or “fix” ourselves. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 80% of people who set New Year’s resolutions focus on changing their bodies, eating habits, or fitness routines. For those living with an eating disorder, working to protect their recovery, or simply feeling worn down by body talk over the holidays, this seasonal flood of body-focused messaging can feel particularly destabilizing. In this episode, Dr. Jillian Lampert shares how to move through this season with greater awareness and support—and what actually helps when eating disorder thoughts get stirred up. We cover: How to recognize when resolution talk is activating disordered thoughts What to do when eating disorder patterns start to resurface in January How to carry recovery tools into the new year What support can look like during a season that often demands self-discipline instead of self-care About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Coming home for the holidays when an eating disorder is in the mix can be deeply complicated—for the person navigating it, and for the people who love them. In this episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert reflects on her own experience returning home from college while struggling with an eating disorder, and offers clear, compassionate guidance for young adults facing similar homecomings. Whether the eating disorder is known, hidden, or somewhere in between, Jillian shares tangible strategies to help make this season feel more manageable. With deep care, she holds space for anyone who might be quietly struggling—and for those who want to help, or say something, but aren’t sure how. We cover: What the holiday season can feel like when you’re living with an eating disorder How to prepare for coming home when your loved ones know about it How to navigate the holidays when no one knows what you’re going through How loved ones can show up with care About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we’re joined by two North Carolina-based Emily Program clinicians, Mem Wood and Elysse Thebner Miller, to talk all things Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID. Mem and Elysse unpack what makes ARFID different from ordinary food preferences, why it can emerge at any age, and how symptoms may affect nutrition, growth, medical stability, and daily life. They describe the three ARFID subtypes, share what treatment actually looks like, and highlight signs that often indicate it’s time to seek support. This episode also introduces The Emily Program’s new specialized residential and inpatient programming for adults with ARFID in the Raleigh–Durham area—the only dedicated adult program of its kind nationwide. About Mem & Elysse: Mem Wood (she/her) is the Regional Clinical Director, North Carolina at The Emily Program. She holds an MS in clinical mental health counseling from Florida International University. Mem trained and worked at the Renfrew Center of South Florida before joining The Emily Program, where she has served in various roles for nearly eight years. Elysse Thebner Miller (she/her) is the Regional Nutrition Manager at The Emily Program’s North Carolina centers. She holds a BS in health sciences from Ithaca College and an MPH in nutrition from UNC-Chapel Hill. Elysse previously worked at the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders as both a clinician and research dietitian, supporting clients across all levels of care. We cover: How ARFID develops and why it’s often misunderstood as “picky eating” Key differences among the three ARFID subtypes What ARFID looks like in real life—at school, in college, at home, and in social settings How food avoidance can intensify and narrow someone’s world What renourishment, exposure-based food discovery, and body-awareness skills look like in treatment How clinicians determine the appropriate level of care for ARFID Practical signs that it may be time to seek help for a child, teen, or adult In Mem & Elysse's words: On how ARFID can shrink a person’s world: “Often by the time folks come into our care, they're eating a really limited number of foods…They might have only four or five foods that they're eating at all, or they might have such a high degree of brand specificity. I think that degree of avoidance and limitation is sometimes what brings folks in. They're like, my world has gotten smaller and smaller. I can't really function anymore.” On the importance of taking ARFID concerns seriously: “If there is a suspicion that there’s something going on, it's worth investigating…especially if you've known somebody maybe at a point where their relationship with food was more normative, and now things feel like they're different and [you] can't quite pinpoint why…Getting early care and early treatment [offer] a way to change course and help somebody get back on track.” On how to support a loved one in seeking help for ARFID: “If it feels like something's going on for your loved one, you know you're probably right… expressing concern calmly and not judgmentally is helpful, and then doing whatever you can to support them in taking the next step. If we're talking about a young adult, it's really helpful to sit with them and look at a website or make that initial call to a provider… because we know how hard it can be to take that first step to getting help.” Additional Resources: Mem and Elysse welcome questions about eating disorders from individuals, families, and providers. They can be reached at [email protected] and [email protected]. If you or someone you love may be experiencing ARFID and The Emily Program isn’t in your area, the following organizations offer valuable support: The National Alliance for Eating Disorders: A national nonprofit offering a therapist-staffed helpline, free virtual support groups, and personalized referrals to eating disorder treatment providers. iaedp Foundation: Provides education, training, and a directory of eating disorder–informed providers, including therapists and dietitians who work with ARFID. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert explores Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—an eating disorder characterized by limited food intake in terms of total volume, variety, or both. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID isn't driven by concerns about weight or body image. Jillian breaks down the three main ways ARFID can present: lack of interest in eating, fear-based avoidance (often after choking or vomiting), and sensory sensitivities that make certain foods feel impossible to approach. She also discusses how restricted intake affects physical health, growth, and participation in everyday life—and how life transitions like starting school or moving away to college often bring these challenges to the surface. You'll hear how ARFID is treated, what makes that treatment different from other eating disorder care, and why specialized support can make recovery possible. We cover: How to tell if it’s ARFID and not just “picky eating” Why ARFID rarely resolves on its own What to expect from ARFID treatment About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

**Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Please use your discretion when listening and connect with your support system as needed. If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. Text or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Episode description: When their daughter Grace developed an eating disorder, John and Kathy experienced the heartbreak and confusion familiar to many parents. In this episode of Peace Meal, they speak with raw honesty about the helplessness of those early years, the shock of seeing Grace’s personality shift under the illness, and the mix of fear and relief that came with entrusting her to treatment. When Grace turned 18, she left treatment, and John and Kathy lost the ability to make decisions for her care. She struggled through a college relapse that felt devastating at the time. John and Kathy talk about learning to support Grace through those years—finding community with parents who truly understood, separating their daughter from the illness even when it felt impossible, and accepting that recovery had to be something Grace wanted for herself. John and Kathy share their story because they remember desperately needing to hear from parents further along. Grace eventually chose recovery for herself, and their family reached a place that once felt impossible. Their hope in speaking publicly is that other families navigating the same fears will know that recovery remains possible. We cover: Why finding community with other parents matters How eating disorders can temporarily change behavior and personality The complexity of supporting an adult child through treatment Why brain healing continues long after weight restoration Why setbacks during recovery don't mean failure In John and Kathy's words: On the isolation families can face: "One of the biggest benefits was to have a community of people that understood what we were going through. Even though we have good friends and family that supported us, I don't think they really understood the magnitude of what was going on. These [other parents in treatment] were parents that we felt—OK, they're not judging us. They're great parents. They have great kids. They just have this disease." On what recovery has meant for their family: "We've had a lot of joy around dining room tables for years, gone for years…having [Grace] attend a meal was like walking on eggshells. And it took a wonderful holiday or a family event and turned it into kind of a stressful event. Not, not that she did it, but the illness did. You have to really separate those two things because they're two very different things. And now for at least the last two or three years, family gatherings are truly what they should be. They're family gatherings. And I don't even really think about it." On John rebuilding his relationship with Grace: "After so many years of this illness, I figured that the relationship that I had with her was going to be beyond damaged... Now she and I talk at least once or twice a week. She calls me for counsel. She calls to say hello. And to be perfectly honest with you, it’s really the reason that we reached out to share the story…and I want parents to have hope that that can be their story too." For families seeking support: Explore our Resources for Families or call The Emily Program at 1-888-364-5977. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Halloween kicks off months of food-focused holidays, and for people with eating disorders, the candy-centered celebration can create significant stress. In this Between Bites episode, Dr. Jillian Lampert discusses how to approach Halloween, whether you're supporting the kids in your life or navigating your own recovery. She explains why limiting kids' access to candy can intensify their desire for it, offers specific ways to plan for a challenging day, and suggests treating Halloween as practice for the upcoming holiday season—with an emphasis on open communication and asking for the support you need. We cover: Why forbidding Halloween candy often backfires (for kids and adults) Why sharing your Halloween plan with others can help (and what to tell them) How to make the holiday season different this year About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Abby Kurszewski reflects on how years of weight-related comments from family and doctors shaped her relationship with food and body image. She explains that these experiences—along with a ninth-grade calorie-tracking assignment—were among the factors that fueled disordered eating during her teenage years. Abby recalls the painful disconnect of being praised for weight loss while suffering inside. She also speaks candidly about weight bias in healthcare, where providers dismissed her concerns because she lived in a larger body—barriers that delayed access to the care she needed. In 2022, Abby entered The Emily Program’s intensive day treatment and finally felt seen. With support from her treatment team and her dad—her “rock” throughout recovery—Abby began to reclaim herself: “It gave me part of my spark back.” About Abby: Abby Kurszewski is a mental health advocate and clinical mental health graduate student from Wisconsin. If given the opportunity, she won’t hesitate to show you pictures of her senior chihuahua, Hugh, and talk your ear off about Taylor Swift. As an advocate, Abby is passionate about sharing her story of being in recovery from mental health issues, including OCD, an eating disorder, complex trauma, depression, and anxiety. When she’s not in class, studying, or working, you can probably find her watching reality TV (most likely Survivor or RuPaul’s Drag Race), trying out local coffee shops, or at the barricade to see her favorite band. We cover: How OCD and depression can intersect with eating disorder treatment Why celebrating weight loss can be harmful (even when well-intended) How stereotypes about eating disorders can create barriers to care The importance of finding weight-neutral healthcare providers How loved ones can help enforce recovery boundaries The critical need for eating disorder care in rural and underserved areas What it means to reclaim joy with food (including Tater Tot poutine at a Taylor Swift concert) In her words: On the confusion of being praised while unwell: "I knew I was struggling with depression, especially, and anxiety. So I knew people were trying to be helpful when they were complimenting me and saying things like 'you look so good’...But it just reinforced the eating disorder when I was already mentally unwell." On the power of comprehensive treatment: "All sides were great—the medical aspect, the therapeutic support, the dietitians…The meal support and all that, it was so helpful and so beneficial. Quite honestly, that treatment program told me, 'Hey, maybe you don't have to live your life hating yourself." On her dad’s unwavering support: "Throughout my entire recovery journey, by far my biggest support has been my dad... He has always had this mentality of, 'I'm here to support you with whatever you need.' And he's not afraid to own up to mistakes or if he says the wrong thing... He just wants [my sister and me] to be happy and healthy." On why recovery is possible for everyone: "In the same way that eating disorders don't discriminate, recovery doesn't discriminate either... Respectfully, you're not the exception. It is possible." Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert explores the topic of weight stigma and its harmful effects on health and healthcare. She defines weight stigma as judgment or discrimination based on body size, shape, or appearance—and explains how it shows up in everyday life, from jokes in the media to treatment in the doctor’s office. Dr. Lampert highlights how weight stigma in healthcare can lead to serious consequences, including patients avoiding care altogether. She underscores the importance of separating weight from health and focusing on holistic well-being instead. With Weight Stigma Awareness Week approaching, she shares opportunities to learn more, take action, and create change through kindness, education, and advocacy. About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her), PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED, is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. We cover: What weight stigma is and how it shows up in our society Why weight stigma is especially harmful in healthcare settings How weight stigma prevents people from receiving needed care The importance of separating weight from health Small and large ways we can address and reduce weight stigma Resources and opportunities available during Weight Stigma Awareness Week Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. Between Bites is a Peace Meal series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert and designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we hear from Jami Schadler, a mom of four and passionate eating disorder advocate from Dyersville, Iowa. Jami opens up about her 25-year struggle with an eating disorder, how unresolved childhood trauma played a role, and the turning point that sparked her recovery. Now in recovery, Jami is dedicated to helping others find hope and healing. She shares how her advocacy began with a single social media post and grew into something much larger: facilitating a support group with NAMI Dubuque, working as an Ambassador with the Eating Disorders Coalition, and even spearheading a proclamation to recognize National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in her community. Throughout the conversation, Jami emphasizes the importance of education, connection, and advocacy in breaking down stigma. She offers heartfelt advice to families, encouragement for those who feel isolated, and reflections on what recovery has brought to her life and her children’s lives. We cover: Jami’s journey from unresolved trauma to recovery Why eating disorders thrive in isolation—and how to break free from it The role of grace, patience, and support in healing Misconceptions about who can develop an eating disorder Jami’s advocacy work in Iowa and beyond Her hopes for others navigating recovery today In her words: On the turning point in recovery: “I was tired of continuously relying on that toxic friend, which was my eating disorder… This time was different because I was a mother of four kids and they needed me.” On stigma: “I’ve been told before through my journey, 'Why can’t you just eat?' I wish it was that easy.” On advocacy: “I’ll continue to advocate for eating disorder awareness because when I was going through my eating disorder, my voice hadn’t been heard yet. And those who struggle with an eating disorder are still waiting for their voice to be heard.” On advice for those struggling: “Don’t isolate… recovery is possible. It’s hard work and I’m a testimony of that.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Introducing Between Bites: The Peace Meal podcast is launching Between Bites, a new series of short, focused episodes hosted by Dr. Jillian Lampert. Designed to offer quick insights and meaningful support for eating disorder recovery, these bite-sized conversations will explore practical topics in a more accessible format. Episode description: In this inaugural episode of Between Bites, Dr. Jillian Lampert explores the common concern of how eating disorder treatment fits into school life. She highlights that recovery and academics are not mutually exclusive, and delaying care for school can have lasting consequences. The episode addresses questions parents and students often ask—from middle school through college—about balancing coursework, treatment schedules, and future goals. Dr. Lampert emphasizes that prioritizing health is the best way to ensure long-term academic success and a fulfilling recovery journey. About Dr. Jillian Lampert: Dr. Lampert (she/her) is the Vice President of Strategy and Public Affairs for The Emily Program. She completed her doctorate degree in Nutrition and Epidemiology and Master of Public Health degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Vermont and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics. She has an expansive range of policy, clinical, research, education, teaching, and program development experience in the area of eating disorders. We cover: Why families often wonder how eating disorder treatment will affect school How eating disorder recovery and academic progress can happen at the same time What parents and students should consider when balancing treatment with school demands Common concerns for middle school, high school, and college students in treatment The importance of prioritizing health and recovery over delaying care for school How The Emily Program supports students in continuing education while receiving treatment Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Have a topic on your mind? We want Between Bites to speak to what matters most to you. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, let us know! Your questions and ideas help shape the conversation. Email [email protected] or send us a message on social. About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. You can also watch the podcast on YouTube. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we sit down with Mallary Tenore Tarpley, journalist, professor, and author of the forthcoming book Slip. Mallary opens up about her personal journey with anorexia, her path to treatment, and her concept of the “middle place” in recovery—a space between acute illness and full recovery that is rarely discussed but widely experienced. Mallary shares how her early experiences with grief, media influences, and cultural messages about food and bodies contributed to the development of her eating disorder. She also talks about the power of persistence, small steps toward healing, and the importance of support and community along the recovery journey. About Mallary: Mallary Tenore Tarpley is a journalism and writing professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communications and McCombs School of Business. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She graduated from Providence College and has an MFA in nonfiction writing from Goucher College. Mallary lives outside of Austin, TX, with her husband and two children. We cover: How Mallary’s mother’s death and suppressed grief contributed to the onset of her eating disorder Her treatment experiences, including a 17-month stay in residential care The concept of the “middle place” and why she wants to destigmatize slips in recovery The five pillars of recovery that guided her healing journey Why persistence, small victories, and community support are essential How Slip blends personal narrative with research and the voices of others In Mallary’s words: On why she titled her book Slip: “Sometimes we think that slips equal failure. And that is the reason I titled the book Slip... I want to destigmatize slips in the recovery process and recognize that slips can be opportunities for growth rather than grounds for failure.” On the “middle place” in recovery: “For a long time I thought that I was the only one in this space, because I never heard anyone else talk about it... when I began to interview people for the book, I realized that this space is quite populous, and yet it's not talked about very often.” On persistence and progress: “Sometimes the idea of trying to attain full recovery can feel a bit daunting and insurmountable... I like to think a lot about ‘more recovery.’ Maybe that's a half [of] a percent one day, maybe it's ten percent another day. Those very tiny steps can accumulate over time.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. Mallary’s book, Slip, comes out on August 5, but you can preorder it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore today. You can connect with Mallary, learn more about her, and follow her newsletter on her website, mallarytenoretarpley.com. You can also follow her on Instagram (@mallarytenoretarpley) and LinkedIn. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we hear from Jenny Beck and Sarah Bergen, two passionate leaders at The Emily Program’s Ohio treatment centers. Jenny, the Site Director, and Sarah, the Regional Medical Director, offer personal and professional insight into eating disorder recovery—what they love about their work, what makes it challenging, and what they wish more people knew about treatment. Reflecting on the rewarding but often difficult journey of supporting people with eating disorders, while drawing from years of experience—and in Sarah’s case, a personal history with anorexia—they discuss: What happens behind the scenes in treatment The misconceptions they frequently encounter The deep hope they hold for their clients Together, they emphasize that while recovery is never easy, it is always worth it. About Jenny and Sarah: Jenny Beck, LPCC-S, is the Site Director of The Emily Program’s Residential and Outpatient Treatment Centers in Columbus, Ohio. As Site Director, Jenny oversees all clinical services provided for children, adolescents, and adults at the outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential levels of care. Jenny has worked as a therapist since 2006 and has specialized in eating disorder care since 2014. A high point in Jenny’s professional journey was overseeing the launch of the Columbus Residential treatment center in January 2022. Sarah Bergen, RN, MS, PMHNP-BC, is the Regional Medical Director of The Emily Program’s Ohio locations, working closely with the Site Director, Senior Regional Director, and medical lead to ensure the best quality care for clients, and provide support to the amazing medical and psychiatry staff. Sarah has been with The Emily Program since 2016, first as the psychiatric provider in Spokane, Washington, covering partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient programming before she moved back home to Ohio. Sarah was in Columbus as The Emily Program opened its second Ohio location in 2020. She worked with clients in residential care for two years before her transition to Medical Director. We cover: How Jenny and Sarah each found their way into eating disorder care The most rewarding and the most difficult parts of their work Common barriers to seeking treatment and how to overcome them Why treatment can feel worse before it feels better—and why that’s okay What they want families, friends, and communities to understand about eating disorders Hopes for the future of eating disorder treatment and awareness in Ohio and beyond In their words: Jenny on what makes recovery worth it: “It probably will feel worse before it feels better. But please don’t give up during the worst… If you give up during the worst, you don’t get the better.” Jenny on the invisible nature of eating disorder treatment: “People can't see the toll it takes to get well. It's easy to assume it's not that hard. It’s so hard.” Sarah on barriers to care: “Eating disorders do such a good job telling folks that they are not ‘ill enough.’” Jenny on holding hope: “There’s always a reason to say no... But what if it does [work]?... The future is a beautiful thing, terrifying and beautiful... It equally holds the possibility of goodness as it does hard things.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we hear from Darby Kellogg, a former collegiate runner who spent years in pseudo-recovery after receiving treatment for anorexia. Darby reflects on how her eating disorder took root in the culture of competitive running, where an intense focus on performance, discipline, and “clean eating” often normalized or hid her disordered behaviors. When medical concerns forced her to stop training and enter inpatient care, she felt like she was losing the identity she had built around her sport. In the years that followed, Darby felt stuck in what she now recognizes as pseudo-recovery: doing what “looked right” externally while still following disordered rules internally. It’s an experience she says is more common than people realize, but rarely talked about. In this conversation, Darby shares how she came to recognize that surface-level recovery wasn’t enough, and what helped her begin the deeper, lasting work of true healing. About Darby: Darby Kellogg lives in Michigan and is on a mission to help others in eating disorder recovery. Darby has been in recovery from anorexia for six years and is currently in PA school. A former collegiate runner, she has firsthand experience navigating eating disorder treatment at multiple levels of care. Now, she’s especially passionate about challenging misconceptions around recovery, including giving voice to the role of neuro-rewiring and the process of unlearning ingrained beliefs. We cover: The role of sport and perfectionism in Darby’s eating disorder experience Darby’s early eating disorder warning signs What it was like to lose her sport and identity as an athlete Why pseudo-recovery can keep someone stuck How eating disorders can get in the way of showing up fully in relationships How recovery has reshaped Darby’s relationship with movement and her future in medicine In Darby’s words: On her experience with pseudo-recovery: “I was eating the food I was supposed to. I was resting my body…I was doing just enough to make my providers and parents happy, but also serve the eating disorder. I was doing these things on paper, but none of the mental processes were changing. I was still looking to the eating disorder for guidance. I wasn’t pushing against those thought patterns that the eating disorder is rooted in.” On relationships and recovery: “Recovery is about relationships...And if you prioritize your relationships, you will realize that the eating disorder is not in your best interest. You can't have these relationships if you want to keep your eating disorder. You have to, in a sense, choose one.” On choosing recovery: “The phrase that I have always come back to when I have been struggling is ‘choose your hard.’ It's going to be hard no matter what you do. You have to accept that…it's really extremely difficult to recover from an eating disorder. But it's also extremely hard to never recover and not see all the beautiful things on the other side of it. You get to choose which path you want to take and which hard you want to do. Instead of doing the ‘safe scary’ things, do the ‘scary scary’ things.” On reclaiming her relationship with movement: “I've thought of it more now as building my body rather than tearing it down. I’m training more for functional strength now. Am I gonna be able to hold my grandkids when I’m 80? I'm training for health and longevity. I'm not training to beat any records.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode, Dr. Dev Seacrest returns to Peace Meal to reflect on how his evolving understanding of gender, body image, and disability has shaped his recovery from both anorexia and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Since first joining us in 2020, Dev has gained deeper clarity on how gender dysphoria influenced his relationship with food and body image. He talks about embracing fatness as a trans man, finding support in a men’s body image group, and receiving a revised diagnosis that helped explain his chronic pain and changing mobility needs. Through these experiences, Dev shares what it means to recover on his own terms—honoring gender identity, disability, and fat embodiment, and building a more peaceful relationship with his body along the way. About Dev: Dr. Dev Seacrest (he/him) is a transmasculine professor who uses his lived experience to identify areas for growth among individuals and communities. He has found that advocating for people with eating disorders, disabilities, chronic illness, and/or who are in larger bodies has been effective and rewarding. It has also helped him to better understand and accept himself as a member of all of these groups. We cover: How gender dysphoria and weight stigma shaped Dev’s eating disorder How evolving language helped him make sense of his body and identity The relief and clarity of receiving accurate chronic illness diagnoses How chronic illness complicates food access, hunger cues, and body trust What affirming, weight-neutral, and trauma-informed care can look like How advocacy has helped Dev find greater self-acceptance and community In Dev's words: On embracing his identity: “One thing that was really hard for me since the beginning was the idea of being a fat woman. And there's nothing wrong with being a fat woman, but I finally realized that the part that I was afraid of wasn't the fat part; it was the woman part. Being a fat man is something that I can accept and embrace…I needed to have the gender concept down before I could start adding to it.” On rejecting healthism and reclaiming rest: “I’ve come a long way [with] healthism…I don’t have to earn respect or earn food or earn rest. Fat people deserve rest, too.” On the importance of affirming, compassionate care: “One of the things that really helped was being diagnosed and having doctors say, ‘I see that you're in pain,’ ‘I see that you're having issues’—so many people don't get that. It’s so important to have doctors and providers who believe you." On defining his body on his own terms: “My body is a man's body. And is that because of various surgeries or anything like that, or the clothes that I wear? No, it's because it's my body, so it's a man's body.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, we’re joined by Mindy Elliott, Director of Education at The Emily Program, for a thoughtful conversation about supporting students in eating disorder treatment. With over a decade of experience, Mindy speaks to the concerns that many families face: What happens to school during treatment? Will my child fall behind? She offers both reassurance and practical insight, emphasizing that recovery and academic progress are not mutually exclusive. In fact, with the right support, they can go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or student yourself, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between your health and education. With compassionate, individualized care, students can keep learning—and keep healing. About Mindy: Mindy Elliott, MS, (she/her) is the Director of Education and leads the education and school services at The Emily Program (TEP). She developed the academic programming for our Southeast sites beginning in 2012 and currently works with all TEP sites. She is dedicated to removing barriers to treatment by meeting the unique educational needs of each individual. A leader in the hospital educator field, Mindy serves on the executive board of the Hospital Educator and Academic Liaison Association, the North American organization supporting professionals who work to improve the educational outcomes of students with medical and mental health needs. Mindy is also an Associate Editor of the international journal, Continuity in Education, focusing on the education of children and young people with medical and mental health needs. She holds degrees in English and curriculum and instruction, earned additional graduate certificates in school leadership and gifted education, and is a licensed principal in North Carolina. We cover: What school looks like during eating disorder treatment—and how it’s built into The Emily Program’s care Why delaying treatment for school can backfire What affirming support looks like for neurodivergent students How families and schools can work together to support recovery What to remember when treatment feels like “bad timing” In Mindy's words: On the myth that school has to come first: “There doesn't need to be a choice between school and treatment. Programs like The Emily Program offer school integrated into the treatment setting so that as your child gets well, they can continue making progress in school.” On how academic accommodations work in care: “Our teachers are barrier busters. They look at each student individually…they can make a plan that’s both supportive of the child’s academic goals as well as their treatment goals.” On the danger of waiting for the “perfect time:” “Eating disorder treatment is not something that can be done quickly and just timed perfectly for a school break. And so, kind of releasing that idea that school is the major decision maker…can help you focus on your recovery.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Kezia Reeder joins host Dr. Jillian Lampert to offer thoughtful, compassionate guidance for anyone supporting a loved one with an eating disorder. As a clinician with lived eating disorder experience, Kezia understands how complicated it can feel to reach out for help—especially when you're afraid of saying the wrong thing or not being taken seriously. Through honest conversation and real-life stories, Kezia and Jillian explore what support can look like—whether you’re a parent noticing early signs, a friend reaching out, or someone helping a loved one take the first brave step toward treatment. They reflect on the power of early intervention, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how simply showing up—consistently and without judgment—can make all the difference. About Kezia: Kezia Reeder is the Director of Clinical Operations at Accanto Health, with brands The Emily Program and Gather Behavioral Health. Kezia became involved in the eating disorder field after struggling with, and recovering from, an eating disorder in college. As a mother to a young daughter, Kezia is driven by her desire to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for future generations. Combining her professional skills with her personal mission, she is a fierce advocate for eating disorders awareness and treatment, passionately working to improve client care and access. We cover: What eating disorder signs can look like at any age How to trust your gut and act early, even if others dismiss your concern Ways to approach a friend with care and curiosity, not pressure What happens when you make the first call for help How to model body respect and food neutrality at home In Kezia's words: On making the first call for help: “The people you’re talking to really care and truly believe that getting help makes a difference. It was a lot less scary than I anticipated.” On why early action matters: “The sooner we get someone the help they need, the better the prognosis. So if you’re delaying care—what if this goes on longer than it needs to? What are the far-reaching impacts of waiting to get the right care?” On the effort recovery takes—and why it’s worth it: “[Eating disorders are] not a phase. It’s not something that will just go away… Recovery takes effort, and it can feel like a huge, daunting task—and it is so worth it.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Katelyn Olmsted opens up about the challenges she faced as a teenager navigating an eating disorder, treatment, and recovery. She shares the fear and resistance she felt when faced with the idea of getting help, the moment she realized she could no longer fight her battle alone, and the community that helped her take her first brave steps toward healing. Katelyn also describes how writing became a lifeline in treatment—one that eventually led to her book, Daily Dos of an Eating Disorder to Recovery. She reflects on the struggles of leaving treatment, relearning how to trust her body, and finding new purpose in sharing her story with others who feel lost in their own recovery. About Katelyn: Katelyn Olmsted is a young author whose recovery journey began at age 15 when she entered treatment. During her time in care, she began writing Daily Dos of an Eating Disorder to Recovery, a book that grew from her own experiences and now serves as a source of hope for others on their healing journeys. Katelyn is passionate about eating disorder awareness and aspires to become an eating disorder therapist and dietitian. Her story has been featured in podcasts and magazines, and she continues to share her experiences to remind others that recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach. She is grateful for the support of her friends and family in Charlotte, North Carolina. We cover: The impact of adolescence and sports pressures on eating disorders The emotional tug-of-war between wanting to heal and resisting treatment How an eating disorder can offer a sense of comfort—and what helps let go The challenges of rebuilding trust with your body after treatment How writing can become a tool for healing In Katelyn's words: On misconceptions about eating disorders: “People think it’s a phase or, you know, a weight loss journey…When the truth is, it’s a struggle and a mental disorder.” On seeing her journey as part of a bigger story: “My mom always said, ‘It’s just a chapter’...I turned that into, ‘I can use my chapter to write a chapter book and help someone else’s whole story.’ It was kind of a full circle moment because I realized—this is not my full story, this is just a chapter…and helping other people is helping myself.” On what recovery has given her: “Recovery brings so many good things, so many opportunities, and even though it is a hard process—and I still have my days of struggles—it’s not worth going back… If I ever struggle, I sit just there and think: recovery has brought me this much good. Recovery has brought me going out to eat spontaneously with my friends, living guilt-free, being able to move my body, and have full energy.” You can purchase Katelyn’s book, Daily Dos of an Eating Disorder to Recovery, through Amazon. You can also follow Katelyn on Instagram (@Katelyns.Daily.Dos). Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Taylor Humphrey joins us in this episode of Peace Meal to recount her eating disorder experience and unpack the lessons she learned in recovery. Taylor’s story begins over a decade ago, when her concerns about maintaining her high level of athleticism drove her to form an obsession with “perfect” eating. Connecting with effective, age-appropriate treatment proved a struggle for Taylor and her family. The program she attended in early adolescence lacked proper eating disorder education, which led Taylor to feel disconnected, unsupported, and reluctant in her recovery. Taylor turned a corner between the ages of 16 and 18 upon connecting with new clinicians who expanded her perspective and made her feel seen and accepted. Today, confidently equipped with her toolbox of recovery skills, Taylor leverages the “gifts” of her struggles to provide direction to young people and their parents going through the treatment journey. Taylor Humphrey has been in eating disorder recovery for about ten years and has a passion for helping others who are struggling. She strives to spread eating disorder awareness—currently as a personal trainer and nutritionist, and previously as a coach for moms of daughters with eating disorders. She hopes someday to be an even bigger voice and advocate for recovery, as she feels blessed to be in her position and wants to show others the beauty of life in recovery and the strength they have within themselves. We cover: How adolescence can intensify treatment resistance The healing power of relationships between the client and their treatment team The challenges of maintaining recovery in a triggering home environment How leaning on your support system can improve your self-agency The need for firsthand guidance for families going through eating disorder treatment In Taylor's words: On how raising a young daughter helps sustain her recovery: “Having a young daughter is the biggest blessing and the most scary thing ever for me, going through this. My intention for her is for her to see her mom love herself…and I can’t do that if I’m not healthy. And I can’t do that if I’m slipping back into my eating disorder. I don’t want her to know that life. I want her to love herself and appreciate herself and everything that her body can do for her.” On the perspective shifts of recovery: “Society isn’t correct. Diets don’t work because that’s not what our bodies are meant to do… If you respect your body and love your body and accept it for who it is and why it was created, you’re going to have a much more fulfilling life… my eyes are open to another world of love and acceptance.” On what Taylor’s eating disorder experience gave her: “I [now] trust myself enough to be smart enough and good enough, to be an example to others, and to be a leader not a follower. I really do look at my eating disorder as a gift… I’ve learned so much from it—I’ve learned what I want and what I don’t want, who I am and who I’m not, what I like and what I don’t. And I’m okay with that, because of what I went through.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Aronson Kagiliery joins Peace Meal to share her family’s journey of finding the right eating disorder treatment for her teenage daughter with anorexia. After exploring local options, she shares, her family ultimately traveled to pursue care at Veritas Collaborative. Most helpful to Aronson’s experience at Veritas were parent programming and weekend sessions, which affirmed that her daughter’s eating disorder was not her fault. She then offers insight on prioritizing treatment above a child’s other commitments, as well as providing support outside of treatment by refusing to let the eating disorder rule. Reflecting on her daughter's treatment and recovery, Aronson reflects on the importance of self-care and attending to her own needs—something she wishes she had done more. She describes what gradual healing looked like for her daughter, including the signs she knew her daughter was getting better. In a particularly touching moment, Aronson recalls her daughter sharing that she has days where she doesn’t think once about her eating disorder, a reality they never imagined was possible. To close, Aronson graciously shares words of wisdom for other parents supporting a child with one of these illnesses. Aronson is a wife, super-mom, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She studied psychology at the University of Central Florida, which led to a successful career in marketing and management at her family's pizzerias and her husband's car dealerships. Today, Aronson's greatest role is as a supportive wife and mom to twin daughters, now college-aged. Aronson is committed to sharing her experience and knowledge to help other families of children with eating disorders. We cover: Why parents are not to blame for their child’s eating disorder The role of therapy and education for families with a child struggling with an eating disorder The importance of support for parents within the recovery space as they learn to balance caring for themselves while supporting their child How to prioritize recovery over a child’s other commitments, including school and extracurriculars Gradual signs of healing in the nonlinear process of eating disorder recovery In Aronson’s words: On her family’s experience with Veritas Collaborative: “I liked how I didn’t feel judged for being there. I felt like, ‘Hey, we are in this together.’” On self-care during her daughter’s treatment: “I would, knowing what I know now, take that hour and do what you need to be able to recharge so that you still have something left for everybody else.” On what recovery is for her daughter: “[My daughter said] ‘I have days it doesn’t even cross my mind.’ And that is what you’ve heard about, but don’t realize it’s possible. And then when you hear your child say, ‘I don’t think about it all the time,’ you’re like, ‘Okay, we’ve got this. We can do this.’” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

**Content warning: This episode includes discussions around suicidal thinking and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Please use your discretion when listening and speak with your support system as needed. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are resources that can help. Contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988. Episode description: In Episode 85 of Peace Meal, we heard from Holly Thorssen about her experience parenting her daughter Madison through an eating disorder. Today, we pass the microphone to Madison, who tells us her recovery story in her own words. Madison begins by recounting her life with an eating disorder. As is often the case, her illness was all-consuming, depleting her ability to be fully present, clouding her values and belief system, and offering a sense of false happiness. At age 12, Madison experienced a barrage of depressive symptoms, which she connects to the onset of her disordered eating. In the absence of healthy coping skills, Madison’s eating disorder numbed her inner pain and released the emotional pressure of her depression. Entering treatment at The Emily Program marked a shift in Madison’s recovery resistance. She emphasizes the impact of a whole-person care model and shares several takeaways from treatment that have been helpful to her healing. Reflecting on the adversities of her mental health journey, Madison explains why she’s fired up about enacting policy change that supports compassionate, individualized, evidence-based care so that no one feels hopeless about their mental health. Says Madison, “There’s always hope.” In addition to being Holly’s daughter, Madison Hanson is a senior at North Dakota State University, double majoring in social work and human development and family science. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work after graduation next spring. Madison’s specific interest lies in macro social work and advocacy for stronger mental health laws to protect those struggling with mental illness. Outside of school, she enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Leo. We cover: The role of a co-occurring mental health diagnosis in potentially triggering and maintaining an eating disorder How to find separation between yourself and your eating disorder The challenging process of overcoming food fears The crucial work of protecting your healing and mental health in recovery The need for a paradigm shift in mental health services—specifically one that priorities individualized care In Madison's words: On the importance of a holistic, person-centered care model: “The Emily Program was actually the only place that incorporated the aspect of the whole person approach. I found that [approach] in the program very helpful… Accepting the help and support was a lot easier after I learned this whole other way of going about [treatment].” On protecting her recovery: “For me, it almost [requires] treating the eating disorder as an addiction. And when I say that, I mean I don't weigh myself at home anymore. I don't follow diet culture or buy diet products or any of that. I completely cut it out because there is no way of living half in the eating disorder and half out. It's kind of either all or nothing. And so by doing that, I don't have to think about it as much.” On imagining life in recovery: “I would ask that person to close their eyes and think about if they didn't have their eating disorder or their mental illness. What would your dream life be? … Just imagine this. And then I would ask them to open their eyes, and I would tell them, you know what? It's actually going to be ten times better than that. And I know you probably don't believe it right now, and you might not believe it tomorrow, but I promise you, if you take those first steps, (even if you don't believe them)... it's going to get easier, and it's going to get so much better.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Kathryn Garland and Vanessa Scaringi join Peace Meal to discuss the connection between attachment styles and the development and maintenance of eating disorders. They first provide an overview of attachment theory, exploring how this framework can help us better understand the impact of early attachment experiences on our relationships with food and ourselves. Insecure attachment styles, they explain, are associated with eating disorders and can manifest in disordered behaviors and thoughts. Kathryn and Vanessa share how therapists can help clients address attachment-related issues and nurture secure connections with family and friends that support recovery. Kathryn and Vanessa also dive into the impact of the pandemic on our ability to connect with others, which in turn has played a role in exacerbating disordered eating behaviors. In addition, they explain how a relational approach to eating disorder care can complement other treatment modalities, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They end the episode by stressing the importance of connection to good mental health and encouraging those in recovery to take the time they need to nurture their relationships, both with others and themselves. Kathryn Garland and Vanessa Scaringi are the co-owners of CALM Counseling in Austen, Texas. Kathryn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She has worked in community mental health, the foster care system, and eating disorder treatment, and is currently a field instructor for the Boston University School of Social Work. Vanessa is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor (CEDS-S), who has dedicated much of her career to working in the eating disorder field. We cover: How early attachment experiences impact our relationship with food, body, and self The relationship between attachment styles and eating disorders The impact of pandemic-related challenges on eating disorders How therapists can help people nurture the secure attachments that aid in recovery How a relational approach to therapy can complement other treatment modalities, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) In Kathryn and Vanessa’s words: Vanessa on the impact of attachment styles on relationships with food and body: “Your relationship with your caregivers and your attachment style is really symbolic of how you might interact with food and your body.” Kathryn on tailoring care to each client: “That's kind of the art of therapy, right?... Knowing when to kind of come in with a stronger approach or a kind of more gentle approach with people, depending on the client who comes in.” Vanessa on those who think recovery isn’t possible for them: “Go slow… The ability to improve attachments—that’s gonna take a while… So, go slow, not putting a lot of pressure on yourself, and making sure you find a team that works for you, that you can see yourself going slow with.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Holly Thorssen recounts her experience of mothering her daughter Madison through an eating disorder. Holly walks us through the course of Madison’s illness, noting the warning signs of Madison’s struggles with food and body, and sharing the family’s efforts to find a suitable treatment provider. Holly acknowledges the importance of building a supportive, judgment-free space when discussing eating concerns with a child – a space where your child can feel safe enough to disclose their emotions and struggles without fear or shame. In a poignant moment of reflection, Holly speaks on how she learned to differentiate Madison’s voice from the voice of the eating disorder, leading to a better understanding of Madison’s conflicting desire to get better while also resisting change. Connecting with The Emily Program’s family-oriented specialty care made all the difference for Holly and Madison, offering much-needed comfort and healing for both mother and daughter. Holly is a dedicated social worker and advocate for children's mental health. With 28 years of experience, including 21 years in children's mental health case management, Holly understands the challenges families face in accessing resources. Holly has two daughters and lives in rural northern Minnesota with her husband, Chad. In sharing her family's story of her daughter Madison's eating disorder, Holly aims to empower parents and let them know they are not alone in their struggles. We cover: How to reconcile missed warning signs as both a parent and professional in the mental health space The extent to which eating disorders can warp a child’s thought process The experience of navigating insurance coverage for treatment The importance of a holistic, family-centered approach to care How rewarding it is to see your child through the other side of their illness In Holly's words: On separating a child from their illness: “One day, Madison said something to me that was eye-opening, and I finally understood. She had said that there's days where the eating disorder is so loud that she can't tell what's her voice and what the eating disorder voice is…It gave me a better understanding and just how complex an eating disorder is.” On finding community at The Emily Program: “I like the family component of it, where I was able to come there for big group family meetings with the rest of the parents of kids that were there. It was just so comforting to know that I was with people who knew what it was like. I could listen to their stories and their experiences and just feel some kind of familiarity that I'm with my people.” On her advice to parents and families supporting a loved one with an eating disorder: “Don’t be ashamed. This isn’t something to hide… who cares what anybody else thinks? Just focus on your child and love them and reassure them that it's going to get better too, because sometimes when they're in that dark, low place, they can't necessarily see tomorrow. So you have to help paint a picture of what tomorrow can look like.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Stacy Schilter Pisano joins Peace Meal to shed light on the signs, symptoms, and complexities of binge eating disorder (BED), dispelling the myth that it is merely a matter of willpower. She describes the unique challenges facing those with BED, including misunderstandings about the illness, cultural stigma and shame related to overeating, marginalization in healthcare settings, and societal weight bias, particularly for those with BED who live in larger bodies. In light of these challenges, Stacy emphasizes the vital importance of treatment tailored to those affected by binge eating. Stacy then provides an overview of virtual CARE IOP, The Emily Program’s and Veritas Collaborative’s standalone program for those BED and OSFED with a pattern of binge eating. Informed by the expertise of eating disorder professionals and the lived experiences of previous clients struggling with binge eating, CARE IOP offers a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who truly understand their unique intersectional experiences. Unlike mixed-diagnosis treatment settings that may leave them feeling isolated, CARE IOP provides tailored, comprehensive care that promotes safety and healing. Stacy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. For nearly two decades, Stacy has helped individuals and families affected by body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and clinical eating disorders. Since 2014, Stacy has been the director of The Emily Program’s South Sound location in Olympia, Washington. Within this role, she oversees a multidisciplinary team of providers offering PHP, IOP, OP, and FBT services. Stacy also developed and supervises The Emily Program’s and Veritas Collaborative’s virtual CARE IOP. We cover: The prevalence, signs, and symptoms of binge eating disorder (BED) The benefits of highly tailored care for those with BEDs Why and how The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative’s virtual CARE IOP program for BED was created to support those affected by binge eating The unique program components of CARE IOP, including curricula related to weight stigma, self-compassion, and attunement How providers and loved ones can support someone with BED In Stacy’s words: On common misunderstandings about BED: “In our culture, people are urged to take responsibility for their relationship with food. And in the case of binge or overeating, many people believe that stopping is a matter of willpower or ‘getting control’ of their eating. And for some, they believe that one of the 33,000 diets out there will be the answer… People don’t fully understand that binge eating disorder is a mental health condition, and behaviors are the outcome of that complex array of different variables.” On supporting a loved one with BED: “Binge eating disorder/binge eating behaviors are nobody’s fault. It wasn’t caused by any one particular thing and it’s not easy to overcome. So I think being able to just hold a lot of compassion as you’re interacting or engaging with somebody, or as you approach them in general.” On the complexity of BED: “You are not to blame. If you’ve tried hundreds of diets and each of them has failed, that’s the diet failing. 95-98% of diets fail. So it isn’t your fault… It is that complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors coming together in a perfect/imperfect storm.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Val Schonberg joins Peace Meal to discuss eating disorders during menopause, an often-overlooked period of vulnerability for midlife individuals. She begins by explaining why this life stage carries an increased risk for disordered eating and eating disorders. Our cultural biases toward aging and weight are partially to blame, she says, which can lead providers to misdiagnose or completely miss disordered eating behaviors. To better serve midlife individuals during this vulnerable period, Val urges healthcare providers to re-evaluate their own beliefs about aging, weight, and menopause. She emphasizes that menopause is a natural phase of life and not a “disease” that must be “fixed,” as many problematic cultural messages suggest. Val ends the podcast by expressing her belief that everyone can recover – no matter their age – and that aging is a precious gift. Val Schonberg is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition science from the University of Minnesota. She is Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics, a Certified Menopause Practitioner with the North American Menopause Society, and a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Val owns a private practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where she specializes in midlife health and menopause, recreational and professional sports nutrition, all types of eating disorders, and helping individuals break free from dieting and disordered eating. Originally from Minnesota, Val’s experience and expertise come from years of practice in many settings, including women’s health, eating disorder treatment, Division 1 college sports medicine, professional dance organizations, and speaking regionally and nationally on numerous nutrition-related topics. In addition to individual nutrition counseling, she is the consulting dietitian for Emory Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Atlanta Ballet, and the Atlanta Dream WNBA team. Val is passionate about providing nutrition care to populations vulnerable to disordered eating and promoting positive nutrition messages that help people make informed decisions about their health and live a life where they are at peace in their relationship with food and their body. We cover: Why the transition to menopause can increase the risk for disordered eating and/or an eating disorder How all eating disorder diagnoses are prevalent in middle-aged individuals Why menopausal individuals need support with their mental health as well as their physical health How providers can better serve menopausal individuals with disordered eating and/or an eating disorder How the public opinion surrounding menopause must be changed to eliminate shame and stigma In Val’s words: On the importance of self-reflection when working with menopausal individuals: “All of us really need to recognize and challenge ageism and weight bias. And, you know, part of that is then being curious, really curious, about your own views about aging, weight, and menopause.” On supporting individuals who feel uncomfortable in their bodies: “Some of it is just validating, right? ‘This really sucks,’ instead of, ‘You just need to wake up and be positive about your body and just accept this.’ I am a big fan of body positivity and body acceptance and I do a lot of work with that, but the bridge to get to that space is…. just looking at it, validating it… sitting in the muck together.” On recovery and aging: “I really believe that recovery is possible for everyone… and that aging and growing older is one of the best gifts in life.” Visit EnlightenU Nutrition to learn about the services Val offers. You can also follow her on Instagram (@v.schonbergrd) and Twitter (@ValSchonberg). Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Rebecca Amis shares her story of recovery from a decades-long eating disorder. Rebecca first traces her path through illness and healing, disclosing the risk factors that may have contributed to her anorexia, as well as the intense life transitions and medical issues that prolonged the disorder and complicated her recovery. Loneliness is a common thread through Rebecca’s years of struggles. She shares that she felt invisible and sorely misunderstood by those around her, resulting in the urge to hole up with nothing but the false sense of comfort that her disorder provided. The prospect of following a meal plan and losing the rules and rituals of her eating disorder terrified Rebecca and initially kept her from pursuing treatment. With the encouragement of her support system, she courageously surrendered to help and experienced a profound “rebirth” of self on the other side of suffering. Rebecca is a 55-year-old woman who now finds joy and freedom and life after spending decades with an under-the-radar eating disorder. She resides in Southern California with her husband and enjoys travel, golf, skiing, napping, writing, and reading. She is writing a book entitled My Sweet Body: Memoirs of a Not So Daisied Life, hoping to touch those who have been affected by a long-term eating disorder. We cover: The intricate interplay of factors in the development of an eating disorder The pseudo-safety eating disorders seem to offer during life transitions Weighing the decision to seek help for an eating disorder How the act of surrendering can help sustain recovery In Rebecca's words: On the significance of treatment: “I stayed, and I ate, I completed my meals, and I met the most beautiful people on this earth. And it was the most meaningful experience – probably aside from having my children – the most meaningful experience I think I’ve ever had…it was magical.” On the most surprising parts of recovery: “The freedom and the joy. That has been huge. There aren’t any shackles. There are no more shackles. I’m not bound anymore. To look back and realize that for so many years, I had those shackles and knowing that freedom is now possible.” On advice to someone struggling and losing hope about recovery: “Try to surrender. Just try it… Try to trust the people that are wanting to help you. Lean on them. Use their trust for a little bit until you can trust yourself… Recovery is possible.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: This month’s Peace Meal guest is Sarah Rzemieniak, who brings multiple perspectives to a rich discussion about eating disorders, healing, and recovery coaching. Drawing from her personal experience and professional background in dietetics and coaching, Sarah begins by sharing some of the temperamental and social factors related to the development of her eating disorder. Though she sought help soon after her anorexia was recognized at age 13, Sarah acknowledges that her recovery was not without challenges and setbacks. She shares how meditation played an essential role during a particularly difficult relapse, helping her to get out of her head and ground herself in her body. Now an eating disorder recovery coach, Sarah uses her personal experience, education, and training to support clients in implementing the skills and tools learned in treatment into the “here and now” of their lives. Sarah ends the podcast by sharing her wishes for her young son’s relationship with himself and offering advice for people who feel like recovery is out of reach. Sarah is a Carolyn Costin Institute Certified eating disorder recovery coach, working in private practice as a coach since 2018, where she provides one-on-one recovery coaching to individuals worldwide. Before this, Sarah worked as an eating disorder dietitian until she realized her true passion was in the coaching and counseling aspect of the work. Sarah has her own lived experience of an eating disorder and considers herself fully recovered from anorexia nervosa. We cover: How certain temperament traits can contribute to the development of an eating disorder Why relapsing is common in eating disorder recovery and does not mean you have failed How weight-loss dieting can lead to recovery setbacks The power of meditation in recovery How recovery can fundamentally change the way you view yourself and your life In Sarah’s words: On the difficulty of breaking free from societal pressures: “For me, it didn’t feel like it was necessarily about the praise because I wasn’t getting praise anymore. I looked unwell. But still, there was this definite sense that [thinness] is something that society values and praises.” On meditation: “There’s something about starting to meditate that actually was quite transformative. …[I’m] in my head so much and just being so controlled by these rigid rules and anxieties. So [starting to mediate] actually was quite profound.” On how her relationship with herself changed in recovery: “I feel less run by fear. That’s a huge, huge difference.” You can connect with Sarah, learn about recovery coaching, and find resources for the recovery journey at her website, sarahrzemieniak.com. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Stacey Brown, RN, joins us in this episode of Peace Meal to reflect on the role of nursing in eating disorder care. She begins by acknowledging the lack of eating disorder education and training in nursing programs; it wasn’t until she began interacting with patients that she fully understood the impact of these illnesses on every body system. Stacey’s experiences have set her on a mission to speak to nurses at all levels about best practices when caring for patients with eating disorders, including developing strong emotional intelligence. She highlights the importance of every care team member and multidisciplinary collaboration to meet a patient’s full range of needs. The episode concludes with Stacey’s words of wisdom for the next generation of eating disorder nurses. Stacey serves as the Vice President of Nursing at Accanto Health, the parent company of The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative. Stacey practiced as an Intensive Care/Critical Care nurse, ER nurse, and Cardiac Cath Lab nurse for several years prior to working in the field of mental health. Since transitioning her nursing care into the world of eating disorders in 2007, Stacey has worked extensively in areas of utilization review management, nursing administration, and consulting. She is passionate about her work and loves helping nursing teams learn how to develop strong clinical and critical thinking skills that are based on best and safe practices. We cover: The power of a multidisciplinary, collaborative treatment team The importance of family/support system education How Stacey educates professionals in the field to challenge bias How eating disorder nurses help at all levels of care to ensure patients get the medical and emotional care they need How nurses can hold space for sitting with difficult emotions In Stacey’s words: On the nurse’s role in collaborative eating disorder care: “In our setting, one of the most important things that we learn [is] how to validate and also to redirect the client to the appropriate caregiver. It’s not my role to be their therapist. It’s not my role to overstep and try to be their dietitian. My role is to be their nurse, to address their medical needs, to be validating and listening and compassionate, but also know when to redirect back to other care providers.” On her passion for eating disorder advocacy: “We have fought tooth and nail as a country to really provide effective treatment and coverage for people who have mental illness and eating disorders. And that is one of the things that drives me. That is not fair. That is not right. And I will stand up and advocate for people who are not treated appropriately. That’s what drives my passion.” On her advice to clinicians with lived eating disorder experience: “If it’s your personal experience with something that is driving your passion—awesome… That passion is going to take you a long way. And: Remember to separate yourself enough so that you are letting the client or the patient have their experience. Not your experience.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Katie Gantt, MHS, RD, LDN, RYT, is a registered dietitian who has been working in the field of eating disorders and disordered eating for over five years. Katie is passionate about helping moms have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period by finding health without dieting and challenging disordered eating patterns. She is the owner of Kathryn Gantt Nutrition where she uses her clinical expertise and yoga training to help moms reconnect with their bodies and their relationship to food in a positive, trauma-informed style. Katie focuses on mindful and intuitive eating, Health At Every Size (HAES), and non-diet approaches when counseling clients and helping parents raise intuitive eaters. Katie joins us in this episode of Peace Meal to discuss how pregnancy and postpartum can complicate or instigate an eating disorder. Offering a wealth of firsthand insights on this nuanced topic, Katie shares cultural and biological factors that make women susceptible to eating disorders during this period of life. She acknowledges the difficulty of speaking up when triggered by uncomfortable comments from providers, who may be unaware of their weight bias and their potential reinforcement of eating disorder behaviors. Katie then identifies practical tips for how providers can better serve these populations. Lastly, she acknowledges the beautiful potential for recovery-oriented body appreciation during pregnancy and postpartum. We cover: How pregnancy and postpartum are uniquely poised to impact those with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating The limited eating disorder training among OBs, and how this contributes to missed disordered eating behaviors during pregnancy Weight-neutral approaches to prenatal and postpartum healthcare How to manage gestational diabetes in a way that doesn’t contribute to disordered eating thoughts and behaviors How to hold space for body appreciation within pregnancy and postpartum In Katie’s words: On the lack of screening for disordered eating during pregnancy: “Over 90% of women are never screened for disordered eating in pregnancy, at all. So if you don’t provide that information or if you don’t yourself quite realize that you have a disordered relationship with food, it’s most likely never going to come up when you’re with your OB.” On the special considerations for pregnant or postpartum women in eating disorder recovery: “Statistically, if we have a history of an eating disorder regardless if it’s active or not in our pregnancy, there is a significantly higher risk of it recurring in the first year postpartum. And you couple that with women who have had a history of an eating disorder who have a 30% higher risk of developing postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety – that can be a really risky time for women.” On eating disorder recovery and body appreciation during pregnancy: “It’s not uncommon to see eating disorder remission during pregnancy. There’s this sense of, ‘this is kind of a cool thing that’s happening [to my body].’ For some of my clients, it’s the first time they have ever had body appreciation.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Kezia Reeder is a former Emily Program client and staff member, as well as a continual advocate for eating disorder recovery. In this episode of Peace Meal, she joins host Dr. Jillian Lampert to describe her holidays with an eating disorder. Kezia's insight is valuable not just for those currently struggling, but also for parents and others supporting loved ones who are. For those who celebrate, the holidays can be a hard time for individuals with eating disorders. Not only do Western holidays often center on food, but they also often bring stressors related to seeing people for the first time in a while. This year, as collective anxiety surrounding COVID-19, vaccinations, and variants lingers, the holidays may be especially challenging. Reflecting on holidays past with an eating disorder, our guest Kezia says she struggled at first without any outside support. She hid her disorder from family and friends, suffering in silence amid food- and body-related conversations and a lack of routine around meals. During her recovery, Kezia explains that she used trial and error to navigate the holidays successfully. The more present she was in treatment, she says, the more present she could be outside of it. With the help of her treatment team, she learned how to enlist family support—a key element to her recovery—develop a meal plan, and approach holiday food as just food. We cover: How to support a loved one with an eating disorder during the holiday season Why meal plans can be a useful tool during the holidays Why it's so important to not label holiday foods as "good" or "bad" Why support people are such an essential aspect of surviving the holidays In Kezia's words: On the holidays with an eating disorder: “I feel like I was constantly stressed from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. It’s supposed to be a time of celebration and… in the United States, a lot of our celebration centers around gathering for a meal.” On navigating the holidays in eating disorder recovery: “Do what works for you, and there’s a lot of different ways that holidays can look successful with an eating disorder.” On the holidays without an eating disorder: “They’re awesome. They’re just a whole new level of awesome because I know how challenging they have been in the past. So there’s a lot that I appreciate about it now.” If you or your child are struggling with food this holiday season, The Emily Program can help. Learn more about treatment online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. — About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, or tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information. https://www.emilyprogram.com/ — Follow The Emily Program on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheEmilyProgram Twitter: @emilyprogram Instagram: @emilyprogram

Episode description: We begin this episode of Peace Meal with guest Maddie Duzyk describing her lived experience with anorexia as it compares to her life in recovery. Reflecting on the everyday impact of her eating disorder, she explains how the illness made it difficult to distinguish between her own values and those of her disorder. Fortunately, treatment and recovery have allowed her to find herself again and reconnect with her interests and roles separate from the illness she once mistook for herself. As an occupational therapist, Maddie now helps clients on their own recovery journey, including during the often difficult transition from higher levels of care to outpatient life. She shares with us her recent doctoral capstone, which explored the perceptions of social eating behaviors among adolescents with eating disorders, and provides suggestions for those supporting a person with an eating disorder during mealtimes. She ends the podcast by expressing her hope that one day clients and providers alike will recognize and employ occupational therapy as an additional resource in eating disorder recovery. Maddie is a pediatric occupational therapist who received her master's degree in occupational therapy from Spalding University in August 2018. In May 2022, she completed her post-professional doctorate at Eastern Kentucky University, with a capstone on social eating perspectives of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. In the eating disorder community, Maddie is an active member of Kentucky's Eating Disorder Council and was a member of the NEDA Walk Committee in Louisville, KY for two years. She has given several guest lectures on adolescent mental health, spoken at state-level occupational therapy conferences, and taught nationwide continuing education courses for medical professionals. We cover: The impact of an eating disorder on daily activities and occupations How recovery can reconnect you to personal values, goals, and roles How people with eating disorders experience social pressure while eating, including from those around them and from social media How to support people with eating disorders during shared meals and snacks The important role occupational therapists can play in eating disorder treatment and recovery In Maddie’s words: On life in recovery: “Life is so much more than just those numbers on a scale or those miles ran in a day. There’s just so much more beauty to be discovered outside of the eating disorder.” On her doctoral capstone on adolescent perceptions of social eating: “Common patterns… were the negative effect of social peer pressures and a lot of those pressures came from social media aspects.” On her vision for the future of occupational therapists (OT): “I would love for more of a concrete definition of OT’s role in treating eating disorders… and for providers and patients alike just to be familiar with occupational therapy as a resource––an additional resource, not something to take away from the great care that’s already available.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, guest Beth Harrell, MS, RD, LD, CEDRD-S, discusses her experience in the eating disorder field, and reflects on how much eating disorder education and training has evolved since she got her start in the early 1990s. The bedrock of Beth’s career success is collaboration. She emphasizes the value of learning from clients’ lived experiences, as well as from the wisdom and vulnerability of fellow professionals. As a certified eating disorder supervisor, Beth debunks the notion that supervision is just case consultation. She guides from a place of mentorship and trauma-informed nutrition care, largely inspired by the perspective-broadening experiences she had with her own supervisors. Beth is a collaborative and weight-inclusive nutrition professional who has worked with eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting for the past 30 years. Her work spans all levels of care, treating a full spectrum of diagnoses and ages. Beth’s passions are anything that includes learning and teaching. She has an educational podcast for eating disorder professionals (The SeasonED RD) and carries this knowledge into professional supervision, as well as a graduate elective course for dietitians each fall semester. We cover: The evolution of the eating disorder field and eating disorder education The value of a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment How supervision benefits both clients and clinicians The importance of self-care in the eating disorder and mental health field, as well as tips for how professionals can tend to their needs Words of wisdom for new clinicians about working with eating disorders In Beth's words: On learning at our own pace: “Therapy works. Nutrition, all of that, it works. It’s maybe not on the timeline that we want it to work… We learn on our own time. We can hear something today that’s maybe the exact same thing we heard five years ago, but today, we can accept it.” On the importance of taking time for self-care: “I take a deep breath as part of my self-care… Because I need to be there and available for whatever [clients are] going to bring to me. Nothing is too much. And so, self-care is important for me by acknowledging it in the room.” On advice for new eating disorder clinicians: “Find your team to work with and keep learning. Your client is your best teacher.” You can listen to Beth’s podcast The SeasonED RD here! Learn more about Beth’s professional services and courses at her website (bethharrell.com) and follow her on Instagram (@beth.harrell.cedss). Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, guest Avery Mock discusses how a goal to “get healthy” spiraled into an obsession with food and exercise that led to anorexia. He describes how he was a different person at the height of his eating disorder, burning bridges with the closest people around him. Thankfully, Avery was able to get into treatment to start his journey to recovery. Structure and support have been key to protecting his mental and physical health, he says. In recovery, he has learned that food doesn't need to take up so much space in his brain and that clothing size does not define his worth. Now he doesn’t need—or want—to change his body to be happy. Avery ends the episode by giving advice to those struggling with eating disorders, encouraging them to accept recovery. Avery is an anorexia survivor and mental health advocate dedicated to helping people recognize the warning signs of eating disorders and help others in recovery. We cover: The damaging impact of eating disorders on relationships, and the value of rebuilding these relationships in recovery How recovery can make you realize that there is so much more to life than the food you eat The importance of routine and stability in recovery How the size of your clothing doesn’t define your worth Why setbacks are normal in eating disorder recovery, as well as strategies for how to handle them In Avery’s words: On letting go of an eating disorder: “It can be hard to want to learn how to control [your eating disorder] when it’s been in your life for so long. Learning how to accept the fact that it does need to be controlled is really, really difficult, but I don’t regret in the slightest ever going to Veritas.” On the value of an everyday routine: “The biggest pillar for me is… daily structure… Waking up, doing something, and then going to bed is a big part of what kind of fuels a steady and stable recovery for me.” On shopping with an eating disorder vs. shopping in recovery: “Usually, back in my eating disorder, I would think, “What size do I want to have?” and now it’s like, “Well, what size do I need?”... I’ve gotten to a point to where I just don’t care what size I am. I’m a healthy size, that’s all that matters.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Rachael Steil shares her past struggles with anorexia and binge eating and her current passion for helping athletes with eating disorders. Rachael loved running from a young age, but the drive she felt to improve in her sport contributed to restrictive eating behaviors. She says she became obsessed with food and started pulling away from her friends and hobbies. Once Rachael started her recovery journey, she received incredible support from her college running coach. Reflecting on this experience, Rachael explains the essential role that coaches can have on their athletes' lives and the importance of educating coaches on eating disorder warning signs. Rachael ends the podcast with the inspiration for creating her memoir Running in Silence and her nonprofit of the same name and previews the topic of her next book. Rachael Steil is an eating disorder recovery advocate and the author of Running in Silence, which details her story as an All-American athlete struggling with anorexia and binge eating. She is also the founder of the Running in Silence nonprofit to break misconceptions and raise awareness for eating disorders in sports, serves on the board of the Michigan Eating Disorder Alliance, and is currently a mentor for the USTFCCCA Female Coaches Mentorship Program. We cover: How participating in sports that emphasize leanness, like running, can be a factor in the development of eating disorders How eating disorders can affect people in and outside of sport and cause them to pull away from their friends, family, and interests How opening up about your eating disorder can make you feel like your authentic self The role coaches can play in the lives of athletes suffering or recovering from an eating disorder Why it is so vital that coaches get training on how to spot the signs of an eating disorder and what to do if they spot them In Rachael’s words: On the impact of her eating disorder: “It affected me in so many other areas besides my weight. I was getting very withdrawn. I was barely hanging out with my friends. I was constantly thinking about food. I was starting to count calories, and pulling away from everything else that I loved in my life… I didn’t realize it was partly because I was restricting food; I thought I was finally doing something right.” On prioritizing health over performance in sport: “[My coach] said, ‘You don’t have to be fast, you have to be healthy.’” On the important role of the coach: “It’s so important to know your athletes well and to develop this relationship with them because you are one of the first people that’s going to be able to recognize when there are behavior changes.” If you would like to read the blog mentioned in the episode, “For Coaches, Approaching an Athlete with an Eating Disorder: Q&A with Dr. Paula Quatromoni,” you can find that here. Learn more about Rachael’s nonprofit by signing up for the Running in Silence newsletter and find Rachael’s book, Running in Silence, here. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Eric Pothen discusses how well-meaning comments about his body played a part in the development of his eating disorder. Following the body commentary he received after college, he says he started restricting, bingeing, and purging via excessive exercise. Eventually exhausted by the darkness he was living in and the feeling of losing himself, he set out on a path to recovery. He explains how preparing for a marathon helped his recovery because he had to focus on nourishing his body to prepare for the race. He also tells us how affirmations played an integral role in his recovery. Eric ends the podcast by explaining that recovery not only gives you freedom from your eating disorder, but also helps you rediscover and love yourself. A middle school choir teacher in Albertville, MN, Eric struggled with an eating disorder for several years. Today, he uses his previous struggles of having an eating disorder as his strength to raise awareness and serve as an advocate for those who struggle with these illnesses, disordered eating, or body image. Eric is the owner and founder of the apparel company Embrace Wear, whose mission is to help others learn how to embrace themselves and discover beauty and self-worth within. He recently launched a podcast of his own, Embracing You, which is now available on Apple Podcasts. We cover: How body-related comments can be a major risk factor in the development of an eating disorder How the concerns of loved ones can have a huge impact on realizing that you need help Why you have to do what works for you in recovery, regardless of what works for others The power of affirmations in the recovery process How recovery can help you find yourself again In Eric’s words: On recovery: “It’s going to be trial and error. You’re going to have to find things that maybe work for you and not another person. And be okay with knowing, “This is exactly where I need to be. This is exactly what I need to be doing. This is MY recovery and I get to navigate that myself—of course with the support of others, hopefully, along the way.” On the power of affirmations: “That was truly such a beautiful part of the process for me… As I was in this space of recovery, I was finding myself again. I was seeing the old parts of Eric that had been lost for so long. And that was really through those affirmations.” On why recovery is worth it: “You are so worth it. And it’s a challenging road ahead, I’m not going to lie, but you need to remember that you are the most important person in your life…. and you are worth all of the hard work. You are worth those really difficult moments to get yourself to a space where you can really rediscover the love that you have for yourself—a space where you feel more free, more connected to yourself, and ultimately, a space where you can live your life and just be.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this episode of Peace Meal, Dr. Jaime Taylor and Nayiri Khatchadourian discuss their study on physicians’ knowledge about disordered eating in patients with diabetes. Through their study, they found that many physicians feel that they do not have the resources to help patients who show signs of disordered eating. They also describe warning signs of disordered eating to look for in patients with diabetes, as well as some serious health complications that may occur in patients with an eating disorder and diabetes. They end the conversation by emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness about the elevated eating disorder risk for those with diabetes, as well as highlighting the fact that weight does not determine health. Dr. Jaime Taylor is the Director of Adolescent Medicine at Beaumont Children’s and is the Medical Director of the Hough Center for Adolescent Health. She is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of adolescents and is passionate about teaching on that subject as an Assistant Professor at Oakland University - William Beaumont School of Medicine. Nayiri Khatchadourian is currently a third-year medical student at Oakland University - William Beaumont School of Medicine. Her passion for advocating for mental health along with nutrition and wellness stemmed from her personal journey and struggles throughout her adolescent years. We cover: The importance of assessing physicians’ knowledge of disordered eating in patients with diabetes Why having type 1 diabetes is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder and why having both conditions can be an extremely dangerous combination How doctors are more likely to ask their patients questions about disordered eating if they feel they have the resources to help Warning signs of eating disorders to look out for when treating patients with diabetes, as well as the potential health complications when these co-occurring illnesses are not managed properly The importance of spreading awareness, not only to physicians but to everyone, that weight does not determine the health of an individual In their words: Nayiri on the results of their survey: “Of the people who responded, 97% of the physicians were endocrinologists…58.8% of them reported not having received any education about identifying and assessing for disordered eating among patients diagnosed with diabetes during or after their professional training. 68% identify that they didn’t believe they had the tools or resources available to assist a patient with disordered eating behavior.” Dr. Taylor on discussing body image with patients with diabetes: “It’s okay to talk about body image, it’s okay to talk about discomfort in body or changes in body. If we talk about it, then there’s a way for us to understand it better. And sometimes it’s just the fear of not knowing, ‘Why is my body changing?’ or ‘Why is it changing in this way?’” Dr. Taylor on what health means to her and her team: “It’s about balance and variety and feeding your mind and your body and your soul in whatever way that is and really embracing that everything fits. It doesn’t matter if you have diabetes, it doesn’t matter if you have disordered eating, you can find a way to make all of these things fit and work for you.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Kateri Anderson Heymans is a woman from Minnesota who works remotely and lives her dream of traveling the world. After years of struggling with anorexia and binge eating disorder, she has found freedom from the illnesses that once consumed her life. Since Kateri was 17, she has practiced a type of meditation called the Isha Judd System, taught by the Isha Educating for Peace Foundation. She now teaches this method of meditation and supports others on their journey, taking whatever opportunity she can to share with others the tools and insight that transformed her life. In this episode of Peace Meal, Kateri discusses her history of anorexia and binge eating disorder, including the isolation and misery these eating disorders caused. She tells us about her journey to finding a meditation practice that positively changed her recovery and life. Through meditation, Kateri was able to gain the self-love and compassion that she so desperately needed, as well as overcome anxiety, depression, and grief from the loss of her mother. Kateri encourages everyone to give themselves the love and grace they deserve and ends the episode with a powerful meditation. We cover: How isolating and miserable it can be to suffer with an eating disorder How eating disorder behaviors might function as a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable emotions How meditation can aid in eating disorder recovery, as well as help to manage co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression How meditation can be challenging for those with an eating disorder, who often feel disconnected from their bodies The power of self-compassion and self-love, especially during recovery In Kateri’s words: On the role of meditation in eating disorder recovery: “It helped me to live as fully as I possibly could within the recovery process.” On the importance of giving yourself grace: “When we, in our mind, punish ourselves or judge ourselves for doing something, the behavior will continue. But when we’re loving and compassionate and kind and treat ourselves like a kid who is learning how to walk… the process will not only be a little bit less miserable, but I found in my experience that symptoms actually, little by little, started to lose their power.” On self-love during recovery: “Be loving with yourself where you are in this moment. No matter where you are in your life, in this moment, you deserve love… No matter if you’ve recovered, if you’re just starting… your worthiness of love does not change. So be kind and gentle with yourself as you are in this moment." Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. – About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Nichole Soltis recently earned her master’s degree from The University of Akron and is now a licensed therapist in the state of Ohio. A long-time figure skater, she will be competing at her second Adult National Championships this month. She has a passion for eating disorders and their impact on athletes, and she hopes to use her platform to spread awareness, support others, and start the conversation about eating disorders and sports. In this episode of Peace Meal, Nichole discusses how her passion for figure skating played a role in the development and maintenance of her eating disorder, as well as how she was able to get back on the ice after treatment. Delving first into the complicated relationship between aesthetic sports and eating disorders, she shares how restricting her food did not improve her skating performance in the way her eating disorder promised it would. Instead, it negatively affected not just her sport, but also her physical and mental health. Through recovery, Nichole learned that nourishing her body and working on her technique was the best thing for her skating performance. Now as a therapist passionate about supporting athletes, she encourages all coaches to get their athletes professional help if they notice the warning signs of an eating disorder. Nicole ends the conversation by assuring any athletes struggling with an eating disorder that getting help can mean enjoying life, food, and their sport once again. We cover: The impact aesthetic sports can have on body image How the stigma surrounding eating disorders can make it more difficult to seek help How nourishing your body is the best thing you can do to be successful in your sport The unique role of coaches in the lives of athletes The importance of taking care of your mind and body In Nichole’s words: On the stigma surrounding eating disorders: “Everybody’s okay with any body part breaking down except our brains… The stigma is still around and it impacts us definitely.” On improving athletic performance in a healthy way: “I focus more on technique now as opposed to my body composition… I really think it’s important to focus on… changing that technique and adjusting it, as opposed to changing and adjusting your body.” On life in recovery: “You can still enjoy your life and enjoy food and enjoy your sport as well… You really do need to make sure that you’re taking care of your whole self… your mind, body, your soul.” Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Heidi Andersen is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor, Registered Yoga Teacher, and Embodiment Specialist. She has worked with people struggling with eating disorders as a therapist in residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care. She currently maintains an outpatient group practice of body-centered psychotherapists specializing in weight-inclusive treatment for the intersection of trauma, attachment wounds, and eating disorders through an anti-oppression lens and somatic approach. In this episode of Peace Meal, we explore the concept of embodiment and how it relates to eating disorders and recovery. Heidi covers the reasons we can become disembodied, as well as different ways we can work toward reconnecting with our body. Heidi also dives into how important it is for healthcare providers who help others with their embodiment to work on their own. She offers yoga as one tool in increasing embodiment, and it is a practice she finds especially valuable to ground herself on bad body image days. Recognizing that embodiment can often feel unsafe for people who are not in white, straight-sized bodies, Heidi hopes for a future where embodiment is more accessible for all. We cover: The definition of embodiment and reasons why disembodiment can occur How we can start to be more present in our bodies What healthcare providers can do to help progress their own embodiment How yoga can aid the process of embodiment and eating disorder recovery How body changes during recovery are normal and how to show yourself compassion if your body changes Why embodiment is not as accessible or safe to those who aren’t white and straight-sized In Heidi’s words: On the true meaning of embodiment: “Embodiment is really about learning to experience ourselves from the inside out and experience life from that place, rather than the, ‘How am I being perceived as I’m doing this?’ On the impact of society on disembodiment: “We live in a society that has prejudice and oppression… We live in a society where we’re still being told that one kind of body is preferred, and so as long as that’s happening, as long as it feels dangerous to be in different sized bodies, that’s gonna impact our embodiment.” On the accessibility of embodiment: “Embodiment is definitely a key in recovery, but it is not as accessible to everybody. People that inhabit marginalized identities, it is less safe to be embodied. I think that is an important thing as a provider to understand is that, embodiment can feel like something that white, straight-sized people get to enjoy that marginalized identities can’t necessarily enjoy… Embodiment and safety in your body is a privilege.” Visit Heidi’s website, reclaimingbeauty.com, to purchase The Reclaiming Beauty Journal and Wisdom Deck, read her blog, and more, and follow her on Instagram (@reclaimingbeauty). Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Erin Werner is a mental health administrator, student, makeup artist, and ordained minister who enjoys being present with her family, cooking, and baking. In this episode of Peace Meal, she shares her eating disorder experience, including the factors that contributed to her illness, her process of seeking help, and the power of mindful self-compassion in her recovery. Erin recounts her struggle with multiple eating disorders, illnesses that were characterized by bingeing, restricting, and purging throughout her adolescence and into her 20s. She then explains how, with the help of her parents, she started therapy and learned to identify the factors and co-occurring issues that were masking and influencing these conditions. Over time and with professional help, she learned the skill of mindful self-compassion, which was critical to her recovery. She shares how she has developed better coping mechanisms through the practice of self-compassion and overall feels more at peace with herself, her body, and food. In addition to finding a passion for cooking, she can now see food for what it is, fuel for the body. We cover: How an untreated eating disorder can escalate through the years How therapy can help in identifying and working through past issues How self-kindness, not self-criticism, can be motivating in recovery and many aspects of life How comments about weight and body can inadvertently encourage disordered behaviors How learning to cook can help you connect with food In Erin’s words: On recovery: “I wish I realized sooner that you don’t have to recover alone.” On practicing mindful self-compassion: “When you are coming from a place of such low worth and guilt and shame, and you're almost at war with yourself, the idea of being kind to yourself is so unbelievably hard.” On learning to be nicer to yourself: “You have nothing to lose just trying to be as nice to yourself as you would to your best friend or partner or anyone else you care about. Try to turn some of that loving self-awareness to you.” - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: Jason Wood combined his therapeutic love of writing with his mission to break the stigma around men’s mental health and eating disorders by launching orthorexiabites.com in 2021. His first book, a memoir titled Starving for Survival, is out now. In this episode of Peace Meal, Jason discusses how weight-based bullying, the loss of his parents, and a cancer scare all contributed to the development of his eating disorder. He reflects on how the praise he received after weight loss in his early teens led him to believe that diet and exercise were something that made him “good” in the eyes of others. Then, he explains, a cancer scare led him to dieting and “clean eating” in an attempt to prevent cancer—the illness that took both of his parents. Jason experienced weight loss and was once again praised by friends and healthcare providers, suggesting that he was on the right track. In reality, however, an obsession with “clean eating” was consuming his life. Jason wants to share his story so that other men and boys know that they are not alone in their struggle with an eating disorder. We cover: How bullying can affect body image from a young age How our culture praises weight loss and extreme dieting, which can reinforce disordered behaviors The power of a diagnosis How writing and sharing your story can help you find a community of people who understand what you’re going through How toxic masculinity can prevent men from getting the mental health help they need In Jason’s words: On sharing his story: “As a guy battling an eating disorder, I needed to get out there and I needed to share my story because there’s not enough men who talk about it. As someone who’s battling orthorexia, there’s not many people talking about it, I needed to get out there and change that as well.” On his relationship with food during his eating disorder: “There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a ‘healthy’ lifestyle… But then there’s individuals like myself when it goes too far… where suddenly, I’m no longer consuming food, food’s consuming me.” On how his definition of a “healthy lifestyle” has changed: “I was pursuing just physical health… I underestimated the power of mental health… social health… emotional health… Now I realize that there is a lot more to a ‘healthy lifestyle’ than just worrying about what you eat or how much you exercise.” You can purchase Jason’s book, Starving for Survival, through Amazon, his website, and more! You can also follow Jason on Instagram (@mentalstormwarning). Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. - About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Katie Whipple is a Certified Public Accountant who co-led a $7 billion business deal as the youngest and only female on her team. After moving from New York to Indiana, she now participates in community involvement through Junior Achievement, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and her own podcast “Cup of Common Grounds.” Five years into her recovery, and after a seven-year hiatus, Katie decided to return to pageantry and will be competing for Miss Indiana USA in April. In this episode of Peace Meal, Katie explores the factors that led to the development and worsening of her eating disorder, as well as those that now keep her strong in recovery. As a home-schooled Christian who grew up in purity culture, she says she was unaccustomed to the cultural and social pressures she encountered at college. The dramatic transition triggered her eating concerns, as well as a feeling that she was living a double life: a high achiever confidently facing business partners and pageantry judges in public, but struggling in private. In recovery, Katie has learned to find worth beyond her appearance and better name her emotions, a skill that has deepened her relationships with family and friends. She has also been able to reignite a passion that provided self-confidence and self-development when she was younger, pageantry. Acknowledging that pageantry can be a significant trigger for those with eating disorders, Katie shares how she protects her recovery while doing what she loves. We cover: How naming emotions can be therapeutic How pageantry can contribute to an obsession with appearances in those susceptible How loss can bring a family closer together How being open about your eating disorder can you bring you closer to others How to do what you love while putting your recovery first In Katie’s words: On the fear of giving up her eating disorder: “‘If I give up control of my eating disorder, I’m not worthy enough, I’m not going to be enough’…And that was a scary thought that went through my brain.” On not letting her eating disorder win: “I realized that I was fearing the fear that I was not enough and I realized I was holding myself back from life. I was putting my life on pause because I was afraid of triggering something.” On worth beyond appearances: “My worth is not defined by how my body looks, it’s on how I feel about me.” About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! Are you interested in being a guest on Peace Meal? Email [email protected] for more information.

Episode description: In this special holiday episode, we have compiled some powerful insights on recovery from several of our 2021 guests who have experienced it themselves. Throughout the year, we asked our podcast guests with a personal eating disorder story this question: “What would you tell someone listening who believes recovery isn’t possible for them?” This episode features some of the answers we received in response. Many of our guests share how they once thought that recovery wasn’t possible for them as well, but every little step they made toward healing was so important. While acknowledging how challenging recovery can be, they also emphasize how much better it is than having an eating disorder. If you are experiencing or recovering from an eating disorder yourself, we hope that this episode leaves you with some hope and wisdom on your path to healing. Because we weren’t able to highlight every inspiring voice of recovery, we encourage you to check out any episodes you may have missed in 2021. Featured in this compilation are the following guests (in order of appearance): Episode 49: Managing Perfectionism with Kesslee Episode 52: The Gifts of Recovery with Katie Price Episode 59: Choosing Recovery with Kathryn Episode 53: Social Media and Recovery with Maddy Walters Episode 44: Recovery as a Journey with Rachel Wilshusen Episode 51: Staying Motivated in Recovery with Abby Anderson Episode 58: Advancing Eating Disorders Education with Shikha Advani Episode 54: Building Body Trust with Holly Toronto Episode 50: Food is More Than a Nutrition Label with Kenzie Osborne Episode 64: Healing Has No Age Limit with Betsy Brenner Episode 56: The Healing Power of Horses with Lisa Whalen Episode 43: Giving Voice to Eating Disorder Stories with Kiera Russo Episode 65: Honoring Your Hunger with Hannah Howard Episode 55: Eating Disorders in Fiction with Emily Layden Episode 62: Eating Disorders in the Jewish Community with Lucie Waldman If you’d like to share your recovery story on the podcast, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing your story and more next year on Peace Meal. Learn more about The Emily Program online or by calling 1-888-364-5977. _ About the podcast: Peace Meal is a podcast hosted by The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative that covers topics related to eating disorders, body image, and how society may influence our thinking. You can find Peace Meal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends!