Anxiety. Have you heard of it? This tricky little emotion can often precede an eating disorder and follow it into recovery. In the world of eating disorders, anxiety can show up in so many instances including food choices, body image and appearance, social connections, esteem, and so much more. Our guest today is Francesca Emma, a Specialist and Therapist based in New York, who has spent her entire therapeutic career working with folx with eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Francesca...

Can a simple folktale help heal our relationship with food? Can an ancient legend change how we approach our emotions? Can a story help us access our intuition? The wise and wonderful Dr. Anita Johnston, Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of eating psychology and author of Eating in the Light of the Moon, answers these questions for us in this illuminating episode. Dr. Johnston teaches us how to see recovery in a different “light”, provides practical tools for recovery, and reveals how myths,...

Ivy Felicia, The Body Relationship® Coach, joins Ashley and Sam on this week’s episode for an inspiring conversation about unlearning harmful body image messages and creating space for peace. A Certified Holistic Wellness Coach and Body Image Expert, Ivy shares her personal journey through body awareness, body sadness, body acceptance, and body peace. Her story will resonate with anyone curious about ending the battle with their body and bringing others along in the journey toward freedom....

If you have a child who is battling an eating disorder, you know how challenging the road to recovery can be. Many parents wrestle with their own emotions and may feel lost and alone throughout the process. Our guest today, Jane Reagan, RDN, CEDS-C, MEd knows firsthand the panic a parent can feel when their child is diagnosed with an eating disorder. She developed a comprehensive online program titled, “The Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap for Parents" and created an online support group to...

As we approach the Renfrew Center Foundation’s 34th conference, Sam, Ashley, and featured guest Dr. Melanie Smith, PhD, LMHC, CEDS-C reflect on what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown after years of attending this amazing event. Find out whose talk moved Dr. Smith to tears, get a glimpse of her on-demand workshop, and a take a sneak peek into this year’s highly anticipated keynote speakers.    If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends and...

Ashley and Sam are back for Season 6 of All Bodies. All Foods.! This season will explore various recovery stories, starting with Renfrew Alum and ANAD mentor, Alexiss Audrey. In this episode, Alexiss opens up about navigating relationships and dating during her recovery journey. She shares how becoming an ANAD mentor has supported her own healing process, highlighting the vulnerability required to form connections with others while maintaining a healthy relationship with herself. From...

In this follow-up episode, Ashley, Sam, and Angela continue their discussion about recovering from eating disorders during the postpartum period. They talk about body image issues, the pressure to "bounce back," and the importance of family support. We want birthing individuals and their partners to know that we see you, we hear you, and we are here to support you. Be sure to check out Part 1 for helpful postpartum resources.   If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell...

Romantic relationships can be a vital source of support, connection, and healing in eating disorder recovery. Often, significant others are invited into therapy to learn how to support their loved ones, communicate with compassion, and validate their emotions. But what actually happens in these joint sessions? What skills and tools do therapists provide to help partners strengthen their bond and navigate the challenges of recovery? And how should you respond if you notice your partner...

Author of the groundbreaking memoir, “Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat: A Story of Bulimia”, Stephanie Covington Armstrong joins Sam and Ashley to share her inspiring recovery story. A survivor of childhood trauma, poverty, foster care, and food insecurity, Stephanie developed symptoms of bulimia to escape the unbearable pain buried in her past. By leaning into the hard emotional work, facing shame, and embracing support, Stephanie walked away from perfectionism, ended a cycle of...

We are excited to present this episode featuring Angela Kaloudis, LMHC, PMH-C, Clinical Training Specialist at The Renfrew Center. Angela delves into the connection between the postpartum period and eating disorder recovery. In this episode, we explore the perinatal and postpartum stages for birthing individuals. Angela also explains various postpartum diagnoses, including Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression. Stay tuned for Part 2!   If you enjoy our show, please rate, review,...

Eating disorders rarely travel alone. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder also known as OCD is a common co-occurring diagnosis that can make eating disorder recovery and treatment both challenging and complex. Why do these disorders tend to co-exist and how do we treat both at the same time? Join us for this educational discussion with Melanie Smith, PhD, LMHC, CEDS-C (she/her) where she challenges stereotypes, highlights overlapping features, and explains how to target the mechanisms that fuel...

Radically Open – Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) has been highly praised for its ability to support and educate individuals with over-control personality traits. This can include those experiencing social isolation, poor interpersonal functioning, and mental health issues such as anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorders, chronic depression, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In this episode, Ashley and Sam talk with Shayla Patron, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,...

It’s estimated that 10 million men will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime, yet men and boys continue to be under-represented in eating disorder spaces. We need to talk more about men and eating disorders, which is why we invited William Hornby to the show. William is an advocate, content creator, recording artist, and keynote speaker at the forefront of raising awareness for men with eating disorders. Join us for this heartfelt conversation, where William shares...

Wait, wait don’t tell me that you can’t listen to this episode! In this episode, Ashley and Sam chat with Sandra Wartski, PsyD, CEDS, who led an enlightening workshop titled: Wait Wait Don't Tell Me: Exploring Emerging Trends and Hot Topic Research at The 2023 Renfrew Center Foundation Conference for Professionals. It is a gift to the field that we can look back and see the positive ways we have moved forward in eating disorder treatment, while also acknowledging the areas of growth that we...

Join Ashley and Sam as they engage in a conversation with Dr. Sarah Chipps, the Foundation and Director of Well Williamsburg and Sanctuary. Dr. Chipps, a licensed psychologist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist & Approved Consultant, and the current chapter president for iaedpNY, as she shares insights into the interplay between the dissociative spectrum and individuals struggling with eating disorders. We have all the highlights from their captivating presentation titled: Dissociation...

Are you involved in healing, healthcare, caregiving, or supporting those on their journey to wellness? If you answered 'YES' to any of these, then this episode is for you! Ashley and Sam engage in a conversation with Beth Hartman McGilley, PhD, FAED, CEDS-S, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in treating eating disorders, trauma, athletes, and grief. Beth delves into the undeniable reality of compassion fatigue experienced by caregivers during the COVID Pandemic, while...

Neathery Falchuk, (they/them), LCSW-S, CGP, is the founder of Ample and Rooted, a psychotherapy and training practice specializing in eating disorders and body liberation. Our hosts sat down with Neathery at The Renfrew Center Foundation Conference for Professionals to discuss body trust and what that means to align with our own inherent wisdom that comes from our bodies. This conversation is inspiring, empowering, and motivating to discover our true selves in a society where biases exist all...

If you're just starting to explore working with a Dietitian, if you've ever wondered about the topics covered in a nutritional session, or if you're seeking support for eating disorders or disordered eating, then this episode is perfect for you! Emily Murray, a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders, joins Ashley and Sam to discuss the fundamentals of nutrition therapy and the importance of having a Dietitian as part of your support team in recovery. Additional information...

Body image disturbance and body image dissatisfaction are hallmark features of most clinical eating disorders and body image work can be a crucial component of treatment. Are “Hair Stories” the missing piece of body image and emotional work? Margo Maine PhD, FAED, CEDS and Charlece (“Charlie”) Bishop, MS, LMFT believe there’s a clear connection between our hair, our heads, and our hearts. As mental health providers, how do we uncover these hair stories in sessions and why do they help people...

Body image disturbance and body image dissatisfaction are hallmark features of most clinical eating disorders and body image work can be a crucial component of treatment. Are “Hair Stories” the missing piece of body image and emotional work? Margo Maine PhD, FAED, CEDS and Charlece (“Charlie”) Bishop, MS, LMFT believe there’s a clear connection between our hair, our heads, and our hearts. As mental health providers, how do we uncover these hair stories in sessions and why do they help people...

A significant life transition like going to college can sometimes create the perfect storm for an eating disorder to develop and thrive. Why are certain students vulnerable to mental health issues and how can colleges and universities support those who are struggling with food or body image? Join us for this episode as we answer these important questions with Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of Clinical Services at Johns Hopkins University Homewood Counseling Center, Dr. Tristan...

There seems to be one thing we’re not talking about enough in eating disorder treatment: sexual satisfaction. Many mental health professionals might feel uncomfortable even broaching the subject. Kate Dorrough, LAPC, CRC, NCC, and Certified Art4Healing® Facilitator co-created the much-needed presentation titled: Cultivating Sexual Satisfaction while in Recovery from Eating Disorders. Join us for the highlights as we explore the relationship between sexual satisfaction, body image, and...

Ashley and Sam connect with Renfrew Alum, Susie Denby, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Susie paints an incredible picture of what her diagnosis, treatment and life in recovery looks like with the diagnosis of BED. Despite what diet culture may want us to believe, BED is not caused by a lack of will power and it's not a choice. BED is a complex mental health disorder that deserves treatment and support. Susie’s story is sure to inspire and encourage...

The college environment can be a challenging time for any young adult. Life transitions, changes to routines, and academic pressure can create the perfect storm for the development of an eating disorder. Asian identified university students are especially vulnerable as they navigate unique barriers, risk factors, and minority stressors on top of it all. Despite the fact that an eating disorder can happen to any race or ethnicity, Asian populations continue to be under-represented in research...