The Recovery Warrior Show

"It’s okay to be fat and to stay fat. It’s okay to not pursue intentional weight loss." Today's episode features journalist and body liberation advocate Meghan De Maria. Take a listen as she uncovers her raw and transformative journey toward body acceptance and healing.Delving into the pressures of societal ideals, personal battles with food and exercise, and the profound impact of weight stigma, Meghan's candid revelations offer not just a story of struggle but a beacon of hope. Discover how she found solace in weight-inclusive communities and reshaped her self-worth, turning her life from one of relentless judgment to one of joy and empowerment. Meghan's captivating story inspires hope and healing for your own body image journey. JOIN THE COURAGE CLUB WAITLISTVisit jointhecourageclub.comCONNECT WITH MEGHAN DE MARIAMeghan on InstagramPlus Raleigh on InstagramPlus Raleigh on DiscordCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

Discover how waves of grief can guide you towards healing.In this conversation, Hilary Kinavey, LPC, sheds light on the role of body grief. Take a listen as we explore the complex emotions tied to grief and body image, and how we can navigate them with compassion and self-awareness. The 5 stages of body grief are:1. Denial2. Anger3. Bargaining4. Depression5. AcceptanceEach stage is a crucial aspect of the healing process. Understanding them can provide clarity and direction on the path to recovery.JOIN THE COURAGE CLUB WAITLISTVisit jointhecourageclub.comCONNECT WITH HILARY KINAVEYHilary on InstagramHilary's Official WebsiteHilary's Book: Reclaiming Body TrustCenter for Body Trust InstagramCenter for Body Trust Official WebsiteCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

"Exposure therapy is like jumping off a cliff when you can't see the bottom, and hoping there's a landing."Dr. Carolyn Becker, leading expert in exposure therapy for eating disorders, breaks down how to effectively create and utilize a fear diary to help you find more peace and freedom with food & body.Take a listen as she sheds more light on the most scientifically backed method for reducing fears in recovery. Hear specifically how fear diaries help you pinpoint and confront the triggers of food anxiety, transforming how you heal.CONNECT WITH DR. CAROLYN BECKER & EAT WITHOUT FEARDr. Carolyn Becker at Trinity UniversityDr. Carolyn Becker on TwitterEat Without Fear at AmazonEat Without Fear at Oxford University Press Use promo code ASPROMP8 for 30% off!Previous episode: Eat without fear...harnessing SCIENCE to overcome your food and body struggles with Dr. Carolyn Becker, PhDJOIN THE COURAGE CLUB WAITLISTVisit jointhecourageclub.comCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

Is it really possible to trust your body after living with an eating disorder?Today's guest says YES. Body trust is a birth right, and you can find your way back to it again.Licensed professional counselor, educator, author, and coach - Hilary Kinavey joins host Andrea Wells to unravel how societal pressures, fatphobia, and diet culture distort our natural ability to trust our bodies. Learn why setting boundaries is critical for personal recovery and how embracing a non-diet approach can lead to true healing.If you're striving to reclaim trust in your body after living with an eating disorder, this episode is laden with empowering insights and guidance tailored just for you.Take a listen to rediscover your body’s inherent wisdom and why reclaiming this trust is a radical and empowering act of rebellion against harmful societal messages. Let Hilary guide you on how to reshape your personal narrative towards health and self-acceptance.CONNECT WITH HILARY KINAVEYHilary on InstagramHilary's Official WebsiteHilary

Recovery is possible at ANY age.Courage Club alumni, social worker, and fellow recovery warrior Julie Wickham has had a transformative journey finding recovery in midlife through Recovery Warriors' programs. She’s here today to share her body image healing story.Exploring the misconception that 'skinny equals healthy’, Julie challenges harmful cultural narratives and promotes a balanced approach to body, mind, and spirit in health. She also explains how joyful movement and adapting movement for physical limitations has boosted her wellbeing. From restrictive eating and bulimia, to embracing her body’s needs - Julie offers profound insights into overcoming fear of weight gain and learning to trust the body again. Her story is a powerful reminder to resist societal pressures and diet culture, and that recovery can happen at any stage of life.CONNECT WITH JULIE WICKHAMJulie on FacebookJulie on InstagramJulie's previous appearance on the podcastCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

Be seen for all your diverse beauty, sadness, strength, and struggles.In this empowering talk, Jessica Flint and Andrea Wells dive deep into the heart of vulnerability, overcoming rejection, and the transformative power of setting boundaries. They're peeling back the layers of fear that are holding us back and lighting up the path to self-assuredness and visibility.Discover how to confidently establish your space in the world and be celebrated for your true self – No more shrinking into the shadows due to the anxiety of judgment or rejection. Instead, learn to embrace every piece of who you are and let go of the stories that no longer serve you.In the episode you'll hear:- Heartfelt personal stories from Andrea and Jessica- Proven strategies to handle fear and rejection- Tips on boundary-setting and personal growth- Real-life tales of transformation from feeling invisible to unstoppableBOUNDARIES BOOTCAMPGet your FREE virtual ticketJoin the waitlist at jointhecourageclub.comCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORSCheck

Unlock the secrets to navigating comments on your body size.Are you struggling with the constant pressure from societal beauty standards? Do comments about your body size trigger feelings of shame or fear? We hear you.Dr. Chuks returns to Recover Strong to share strategies to maintain your strength amidst societal pressures, and reclaim your power over body comments.Take a listen as he dives deep into managing unsolicited weight remarks, and explores the role of body shame in the recovery process.CONNECT WITH DR. CHUKSDr. Chuks on InstagramDr. Chuks on TikTokBook: Eating Disorders Don't DiscriminateCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

What's wrong with being confident?Imagine the cascading effects of waking up with more confidence over weeks, months, yearsYou would likely....Have more opportunities because you would ask for what you want.Experience better treatment because you would ask for what you need.Care less about the opinions and judgments of others.Trust you can navigate your way through the highs and lows in life.Confidence is a birthright of all of ours.Yet, so many of us hold a distorted view of expressing and embodying it.Jessica & Andrea return to Fear Less to break down the difference between confidence and arrogance, and how knowing the difference can help you more forward in a more impactful recovery. BOUNDARIES BOOTCAMPGet your FREE virtual ticketJoin the waitlist at jointhecourageclub.comCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORSCheck out articles on the Website Follow on InstagramLike us on FacebookLearn more about the Podcast

Dial down your deepest eating disorder challenges using THIS technique.Today is a sneak peek, a little sample, into an exclusive expert Q&A session that recently occurred live inside the Courage Club.Dr. Carolyn Becker, PhD, author of the recently released Eat Without Fear guides us through the transformative world of exposure therapy for eating disorder recovery. Discover how to face your fears around food, body image, weight, emotions, social situations, and more.This episode is a true treasure trove of insights on this proven scientific method. If you want full access to the entire session and the opportunity to directly ask questions and engage with our experts, visit jointhecourageclub.com to get on the Courage Club waitlist. Inside the CC, you can explore our life changing vault of recovery wisdom - PLUS receive active daily support to overcome food and body struggles.While you wait, you get access to exclusive content for our waitlisters to prepare you for our next evidence based body image program

Never underestimate the power of sharing ED stories. In today's conversation with Dr. Chuks, MD, we delve into the heart of eating disorder recovery, and explore ways to overcome common recovery roadblocks on both an individual and cultural scale.Plus, Dr. Chuks shares details on his powerful new book, 'Eating Disorders Don't Discriminate,' which unfolds the diverse faces of these afflictions and strips away stereotypes. He challenges us to open up conversations, embrace cultural dynamics, and push for proactive care.This episode is a call to action—to educate, to celebrate our diverse stories, and to transform recovery into resilience.CONNECT WITH DR. CHUKSDr. Chuks on InstagramDr. Chuks on TikTokBook: Eating Disorders Don't DiscriminateCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

Ever feel like you had a "bad" day if you don't exercise? This one's for you. Today's guest, certified personal trainer Sam Previte says "In order to make peace with movement, we have to have unconditional permission to rest".Take a listen as Sam once again joins host Andrea Wells to dive deep into joyful movement, and peel back the secrets on how to go from using exercise as a punishment or transaction, to moving for joy in a way that truly enhances your life and wellbeing. _____________________________________More about Sam:Sam is registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and certified personal trainer. After years of struggling with disordered eating and body image, she now runs a weight inclusive, health at every size informed nutrition practice called Find Food Freedom, where she and her team strive to help clients break away from the harms of the diet cycle. With nearly 800,000 followers between Instagram and TikTok, she shares informative content and reels that expose diet culture lie

To give into cravings, or to resist them - what's the best strategy?Fellow recovery warrior, mental health nurse, and best-selling author Cara Lisette returns to the show to answer a burning recovery question from our audience of warriors about extreme hunger and cravings that can come up in the recovery process.Take a listen and hear just what it is you can do when you feel like you want to eat all the chocolate, sugar, and carbs and worry you may never stop! The answer may surprise you.___________________________________________CONNECT WITH CARA LISETTECara on InstagramCara on TwitterCara's Blog Cara's CornerCara's Book The Eating Disorder Recovery JournalCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

Guilt after eating is diet culture's shadow.Today's episode is a sneak peek into our latest Expert Q&A with Alex Raymond, RD held inside the Courage Club. In this transformative conversation, Alex and host Jessica explore the intricacies of intuitive eating and how it forms the bedrock for adapting to a life free from eating disorders.Take a listen for invaluable insights on understanding your body's unique hunger signals, navigating food guilt, and challenging societal norms around eating.CONNECT WITH ALEX RAYMOND & COURAGE TO NOURISHAlex on InstagramCourage to Nourish Official WebsiteCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

Could these lies be holding you back in recovery?"You must be thin to be worthy""It's your fault if you can't lose weight""Weight=health"Today's guest, Sam Previte of Find Food Freedom says "this isn’t working, the system is broken". Take a listen as she joins host Andrea Wells to discuss her work and dive deep into diet culture to peel back it's lies that could be holding you back, to help you move forward into an informed and empowered recovery. More about Sam Previte:Sam is registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, and certified personal trainer. After years of struggling with disordered eating and body image, she now runs a weight inclusive, health at every size informed nutrition practice called Find Food Freedom, where she and her team strive to help clients break away from the harms of the diet cycle.  With nearly 800,000 followers between Instagram and TikTok, she shares informative content and reels that expose diet culture lies, shed light on the truth about health and weight, alon

Who are you without an eating disorder?Today's guest is fellow recovery warrior, mental health nurse, and best-selling author Cara Lisette. Over the years she’s candidly and vulnerably shared her journey of recovering from an eating disorder and bipolar disorder through social media and her blog Cara’s Corner.Cara is passionate about recovery, and breaking down the stigmas around eating disorders and all mental health struggles, while emphasizing the importance of finding who you are outside of your diagnosis, and knowing that these struggles don’t define you.Let's dive in as Cara joins host Andrea Wells to dig deeper into these topics, and discuss her work and her recovery journey, as she shares valuable insights to help set you on a stronger path in healing.CONNECT WITH CARA LISETTECara on InstagramCara on TwitterCara's Blog Cara's CornerCara's Book The Eating Disorder Recovery JournalCONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS

"I was using food and exercise as a way to get control of something, anything. Because the rest of my life felt completely out of control."In this episode, we're honored to have a courageous voice join us – Errin Witherspoon, an amazing alumni of our Recovery Warriors programs.  She takes us through the transformative arc of her journey, and how she found power in her passion of art and creativity in recovery. As we dive deep into conversation, Errin shares her battle with various forms of eating disorders and the relentless pursuit of a control that seemed perpetually out of reach, up until the pivotal moment therapy shed light on her quest for control through food and exercise.Throughout, Errin explores the importance of embracing imperfection, both in our creative endeavors and our body image healing process, and reflects on her newfound career, peace, and the blossoming of her relationships and artistic expression - all fruits of her liberation from the shackles of her eating disorder.So tune in, draw str

"I thought my body was the problem and that once I lost weight, the eating disorder would disappear. That didn't happen."Fellow warrior and Courage Club member Tiffany Folk returns to the podcast channel to open up about her life-long struggle with body image, and how she's come to a place of focusing on what her body does for her, over how it looks.Take a listen as she candidly shares the pressures that once led her to strive for an unrealistic body ideal – and the profound impact this had on her mental health and relationships, particularly with her children.We'll also dive into a pivotal moment of transformation for Tiffany as she recounts her decision to say goodbye to the scale, a symbol of her long-time body image battle. This act marked a significant step in her path towards recovery and self-acceptance, and hear how she's currently navigating a major scale-related trigger.Prepare to be inspired by Tiffany's discussion on the importance of self-acceptance, joyful movement, navigating recovery curveball

"True recovery means that I can eat anything, and trust myself not to purge or compensate afterward." - KimToday we're diving deep with Courage Club member and fellow warrior, Kim. Take a listen as she shares her intense battle with societal pressures, body image, and eating disorders - and the extreme measures and substances she took to get there.She peels back the curtain on the harsh reality of external comments on our bodies and how these offhand remarks can deeply affect confidence, body trust, and self-perception.Through her story, Kim also sheds light on the staggering financial and emotional costs of her struggle with body dissatisfaction—estimating she's spent over $100,000 over 20 years. Hear why she now prefers to invest in herself and into programs like Beyond Body instead. But it’s not all about the challenges. Kim's journey is also one of resilience—a testament to the power of assertiveness, respectful communication, and the courage to set boundaries around food and body comments in her life. By

Hack your brain to heal your body image.

"At the most basic level, everyone who's struggling with an eating disorder, is struggling with a profound sense of disconnection and shame."In this episode you'll learn about five intense emotions that come up in body image healing work and the eating disorder recovery process. With the right emotional processing and regulation skills, you can get to a place where you can embrace their intensity without turning to behaviors, and have deeper wisdom into what their underlying messages are communicating to you.THE FIVE EMOTIONS:AnxietyDisconnectionShameDepressionAnger_______________________________________BEYOND BODY is now open for applications! What exactly is Beyond Body?Beyond Body is 6 month body image accelerator program that provides the guidance, structure, practices, and support you need to make peace with negative body image.It's a premium high-touch program for women in their mid to late 30's, 40's, and 50's who want to come alive and feel more confident and empowered in the skin they're in. With the