MyoMinds Podcast

Disclaimer - In this episode we talk about disordered eating, exercise, and body image issues. We also talk about general mental health struggles.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, George speaks with Matt Davis. Matt is a Registered Associate Nutritionist and the creator of The Flourishing Athlete; aiming to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts develop a positive relationship with food, body and self. Matt has struggled with his relationship with food and body image in the past and is passionate about helping athletes approach food and their body in a healthy way which supports performance, fitness and wellbeing. Having played elite level sport, been a fitness enthusiast and worked as a personal trainer and nutritionist, Matt promotes a predominantly non-diet, body neutral approach towards sports nutrition, fitness and performance. He believes that this education and support is needed in the sport and fitness space to reduce the prevalence of disordered eating, body image concerns and other risk factors for poor mental wellbeing in this population.Listen to the episode to hear us discuss:What the Flourishing Athlete is.Why Matt decided to set it up.Some of Matt's history with disordered eating, exercise and body image issues.How identity plays a role in the negative sides of fitness.Devils advocate question: Sure, some athletes will end up feeling down when behaving in these ways, but don’t you think that’s just part of the risk of striving for greatness?You can find Matt here:Instagram/Threads: @theflourishingathletePlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode I talk about my own experiences with suicidality, disordered eating, and body image issues.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I am going solo. November 19th 2023 is International mens day and the theme this year is "zero male suicide", so I am talking about that!What to expect:My story in regards to suicidality A lot of rambling and forgetting what I was going to sayA delve into the research around muscle dysmorphia and suicideSome discussion around masculinity and suicideI hope you enjoy! (I've decided to leave the link out, for those avid listeners. Please leave a review instead!)Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode, we talk about anabolic steroid use, supplement use, body image issues, and other related things. If you think these conversations may be difficult for you, please take care in deciding whether to listen.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I speak with Dr. Kyle Ganson. Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. His research focuses on eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia, and muscle-building behaviours among adolescents and young adults, particularly boys and young men. Dr. Ganson has published over 100 peer-reviewed academic papers in leading adolescent health, eating disorder, body image, and substance use journals. His research has been featured on the CBC, CTV News, U.S. News and World Report, Healthline, Fatherly, and Runner's World, among others. Dr. Ganson has over 8 years of direct clinical social work practice experience and teaches clinical social work courses to MSW students. Listen to the pod to hear us discuss:The prevalence rates of steroid and supplement use The risks and benefits of steroids and supplementsThe need to reframe how we view those taking steroids Kyle's ideas on how we can move forwardYou can follow Kyle on Twitter/X here: https://twitter.com/kyletgansonYou can find some of Kyle's work here:Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors: https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/canadian-study-of-adolescent-health-behaviors/Muscle-building supplement Canadian policy analysis: https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/news/video-dietary-supplements-for-muscle-building-and-weight-loss-addressing-knowledge-and-policy-gaps/Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode, we talk about different eating disorders thoughts and behaviours, depression, and other negative mental health experiences.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak to Lilia Bogoeva.Lilia Bogoeva is a somatic practitioner, musician, and powerlifter who knows what it's like to give it your all for success, but to struggle with anorexia, bulimia, substance addiction, and depression. As a coach and professional speaker, Lilia helps young people with addictive tendencies to overcome damaging spirals and channel their natural intensity into passion and achievement. Her signature "Inner Demon Crusher Cycle" is a combination of somatic (mind-body) healing, functional fitness, music therapy, and vocal training to help her clients tap into personal authenticity and align physical, mental, and spiritual health. She is also the singer-guitarist of metal band Karkaza, based out of Alabama, USA.Her work draws from personal and professional experience in competitive gymnastics, dance, music, and entrepreneurship. Her mission is to take the negative stigma away from trauma healing and addictive personalities, and inspire people to channel their naturally intense drive into healthy and fulfilling pathways. She inspires everyone to master being themselves! Listen to the full pod to hear us cover:Lilia's experience with different mental health strugglesHow faith and religion has help Lilia in recoveryHow Lilia's coaching worksWhat 'trauma informed' means to LiliaThis week's Devils Advocate Question: "Athletes and performers need to be tough, they must push through adversity on a regular occurrence. Don’t you think focusing on their trauma will just lead to them feeling sorry for themselves?"If you would like to follow Lilia or contact her, use the links below:Website:www.MyobeatAthletics.comTiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@lilia_bogoevaPodcast:podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lilia-bogoevaFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/MyobeatAthleticsYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@myobeatLilia's metal band site:www.Karkaza.comPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: Within this podcast we speak about disordered relationships with exercise, food and body image. In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with Graham, a firefighter, yoga instructor, and fan of the pod! Graham and I have been in contact for over a year now and have spoken on the phone many times about general life as well as our shared experiences with mental health concerns. We thought it was about time we brought one of those conversations to you all!This conversation is also aptly timed as in November 2022 the 'Independent Culture Review of the London Fire Brigade' was released and spoke about some concerns regarding mental health within the workforce. We discuss this and more in the pod.Take a listen to hear us discuss:body dysmorphia and mental healthGraham's story of mental healthHow yoga has affected Graham's mental healthGraham's experiences in the fire brigadeGraham's experience of the 'Walk and Talk 999' groupWe skipped the devil's advocate question in this episode, as we touched on so many topics that we didn't feel we needed to!If you would like to follow Graham on socials you can find him here:Instagram: GfunkyogiFacebook: GfunkyogiPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: Within this podcast we speak about disordered relationships with exercise, food and body image. We also talk about the potential negative impacts of the bodybuilding lifestyle, including ignoring your needs and amenorrhea.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I talk to two exercise psychologists, Dr Paula Watson and Clara Swedlund. Dr Paula Watson is a HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist and BPS Chartered Psychologist with 18 years’ experience of developing and delivering health behaviour change interventions, including family-based intervention for children with obesity (GOALS), GP exercise referral, and promoting physical activity for adolescent girls. Until August 2022, Paula worked as a Reader in Exercise and Health Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University before leaving academia to run her independent exercise psychology company (https://madeuptomove.co.uk) where she offers 1-to-1 psychological support for individuals struggling with exercise or diet-related concerns. Paula is currently training for the London Marathon in aid of Mind charity (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mind-runner). Clara Swedlund is a trainee exercise psychologist enrolled in the BPS' Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology training pathway. She has 6 years of experience working in the fitness industry as a coach, and 3 years of experience working both as a fitness coach and exercise psychologist. Her work is centred around bridging the gap between the fitness industry and applied exercise psychology, by helping people understand themselves, their relationship with exercise and health behaviours, and their wellbeing. Whilst she mainly works on a 1:1 basis with her clients, she also supports fitness coaches and coaching companies in making their practices more psychologically informed. In this episode, we talk about a huge range of topics (we could have gone for 6+ hours I think). Some of these topics include:What is exercise psychology?Different problematic relationships with exercise and what a 'healthy relationship with exercise' looks like.The way trauma can affect our relationship with exercise.Bodybuilding and how it impacted mine and Clara's lives.If you would like to get in contact with, or just follow the work of Paula or Clara you can find their information below:Paula:Twitter: @paula_watsonInstagram: @mind_runrWebsite: https://madeuptomove.co.uk Clara:Twitter: @ceswedlundInstgram: @the_ExerpsychWebsite: www.theexerpsych.com Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer - In this podcast we talk about disordered eating, body image, and issues with exercise. Please take care if choosing to listen.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with Tessa Peters. Tessa is the Founder & CEO of the charity Been There. Been There supports people with body image issues by pairing them through an app with a vetted and trained Mentor who has relatable experience. Tessa set this up in response to her own battle with an eating disorder for 11 years. She desperately searched for help from someone who had gone through something similar and understood. After trying many different forms of professional help, she eventually found her Mentor, which was life changing for her. Being able to feel safe and speak freely without judgment enabled her to no longer feel so ashamed or alone.  Tessa has worked on Superyachts as a Sous and Crew Chef for most of her career and managed a number of  large scale events including CarFest and Frieze Festival, before embarking upon creating Been There with the purposeful aim of supporting people struggling with their body image and related mental health issues that are so prevalent in today's society.  Tessa’s mission is to encourage self-acceptance and self-worth in everyBODY;  Been There and its 1-to-1 mentoring service is bringing the solution to help those in need. Tessa wants no one to ever feel alone and encourages us all to help each other more. Listen to the full episode to hear us discuss:Tessa's eating disorder journeyHow Been There worksHow mentoring can help with body image issuesHow you can get involved with Benn There.Devil's Advocate Question: Couldn’t it be dangerous getting help from someone who has had similar issues? how do you make sure the mentors aren’t making things worse?You can follow Tessa and Been There on:Website: Beenthereapp.comInstagram: @Beenthere.appFacebook: Been TherePlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode, we speak about eating disorders, exercise addiction, and body dysmorphia. Please take care if choosing to listen to the podcast.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with Dr Jason Nagata, who is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and affiliated faculty with the Institute for Global Health Sciences and the Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Health. Jason is one of the researchers spearheading research around muscularity-oriented disordered eating (Hence the title of this episode) and a personal research hero of mine!Listen to this episode to hear about:What is muscularity oriented disordered eating? How does it differ from muscle dysmorphia/bigorexia?Who is most at risk of developing these issues and why?Are these conditions serious? What happens to people who experience this?Is help available and if so, where?and more!The Devils Advocate Question: 'A lot of these people are just trying to build muscle, be the best they can be, and get healthier. Aren’t you just labeling muscle building behaviours as bad and discouraging healthy choices?'You can Follow Jason and his work on Twitter: @jasonmnagataPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode, we talk about relationships with exercise and food, and issues around mental health in general.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I speak to Rachelle Rogers. Rachelle is a retired GB Alpine Skier who retired at the age of 19 decided to pursue a career as an airline pilot, having spontaneously decided to have a trial lesson in a light aircraft during her pre-season training. She had struggled to know what to do after finishing school. She applied to university to study Geography, deferred, re-applied to study Sport Science and was still doubting what she wanted to do with her life; despite having good grades she was unsure if university was right for her. But suddenly her direction became clear and she didn’t go to university but committed to an intensive 15 month course to become an airline pilot. Upon retiring she initially lost her love for sport and became disconnected from that world. But gradually over time opened herself back up to it and for a few years has wanted to find a way to support athletes in some way. She recently teamed up with GB swimmer and Chemical Engineering PhD student, Amber Keegan, to launch the Athlete Support Network - a support service designed to offer athlete to athlete support and wants to raise awareness of putting the human first before the athlete.Listen to hear us talk about:Rachelle's experience as an elite athleteHer advice for young athletes out thereRachelle's relationship with exercise and foodThe upcoming Athlete Support NetworkIf you would like to keep up to date with Rachelle and Amber's work, use the links below:Website: http://www.athleteinteractions.com/Instagram: @athleteinteractionsFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/athleteinteractions/Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this podcast, we talk about exercise addiction and general poor mental health. Please take care when listening.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I speak to Sarah Knapp. Sarah is a Sport and Exercise Psychologist in training. She works with clients to help them achieve their personal goals. Sarah is passionate about helping others to perform to their highest level and to feel great during this process. Her interests in sport and exercise stem from training as a dancer in her childhood and as an endurance runner/cyclist as an adult.Take a listen to hear us talk about:What Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) isHow REBT worksSarah's lived experience with exercise addiction Sarah's research looking at if REBT can help those with exercise addictionIf you would like to follow Sarah's work, you can find her here:Website: www.mindsetforperformance.co.ukTwitter: @sarahmknapp P.s. I used a new recording software for this pod and it has messed up the recording a little bit. So occasionally it sounds like me and Sarah are talking over each other. I promise this was a much more civilized conversation than it seems... Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode, I discuss my own mental health struggles. Some of this can be distressing for others. Please take care when listening.We had a load of new listeners following some publicity in different places, so I wanted to do a quick pod describing what MyoMinds is and what it is we do! I also share a little bit about what's been going on for the last few months. I do feel odd doing these solo pods but I hope you enjoy my ramblings.More pods will be coming soon!Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer: In this episode, we discuss disordered eating, exercise and body image. I have done my best to silence out anything potentially triggering but this episode still does involve some in-depth conversation about behaviours that could be upsetting for some. Please be careful.In the episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with trainee sport psychologist, competitive bodybuilder and coach Clara Swedlund. Clara and I met during a webinar with the Applied Psychologist in Physical Activity Network (APPAN) and realised we could have talked for hours about our opinions on bodybuilding. So we decided to record it!In this podcast we touch on:Clara's past with disordered behaviours and how bodybuilding has helped in her recoveryMy past with disordered behaviours and how bodybuilding hindered my recoveryThe positives and negatives of engaging in bodybuildingWhy do some people have positive relationships with bodybuilding and others don't?and more!This episodes Devil's Advocate question: Bodybuilding seems to promote steroid use and extreme self-critical behaviour surrounding one’s body. Don’t you think it should be stopped?To find Clara you can follow her on social media:Twitter: @ceswedlund Instagram: @the_exerpsych / @clarasw_vwphysiqueYou can also visit her website: https://claraswedlund.wixsite.com/myjourneyPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer - In this episode we talk about our experiences with disordered eating and disordered exercise behaviours/thoughts. Please take care if listening.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with Amy Gardner. Amy is a registered dietitian with over 20 years of experience using psychology, mindfulness and yoga as tools to help improve peoples relationships with exercise and food. Amy is also the author of the book "iMove, Helping Your Client Heal From Compulsive Exercise" which educates around compulsive exercise and outlines the iMove Method.During our discussion we spoke about:Both of our relationships with exerciseWhy Amy decided to write iMoveHow the iMove method worksThe ways meditation and mindfulness can affect our relationships with exerciseOur experiences with the spiritual side of meditation and mindfulnessYou can also find Amy on social media:Instagram: @imovewithamy and @mwnutrFacebook: @imovemethod and @MetroWestNutr Website: metrowestnutrition.com (iMove website in development)You can also get a free e-copy of her book at: imovebook.comPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer - In this podcast we talk about exercise addiction and eating disorder experiences, as well as other forms of negative mental health. Please take care if deciding to listen.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I speak with Clinical Psychologist Dr Sarah McDonald. Sarah specialises in eating disorders and works in an eating disorder service. Sarah and I share experiences with eating disorders and poor relationships with exercise as well as a deep interest in the topic of both.In this podcast you can expect discussion surrounding:Sarah's experiences with eating disorders and exercise addiction.What exercise addiction is.How we might differentiate between addiction and just a "love for exercise"How we tackle the prevalence of exercise addiction (estimated to be in 8% of gym goers)The role of a psychologist in helping those with exercise addictionsand more!This episode's Devil's Advocate question: "There's a plethora of research that clearly shows positive mental health responses to exercise, why would psychologists try to stop that?"Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer - In this episode we talk about potentially harmful topics such as excessive exercise, disordered eating, poor body image, bullying, and experiences of poor mental health.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I talk with freelance journalist and contributing editor to Men's Health Magazine, Jamie Millar. Myself and Jamie have been involved in a number of conversations over the last few months and we thought it would be useful to share one of those conversations with you lot!Here's what to expect:How Jamie got into writing and his journey towards his current success.The role bullying played in Jamie's adoption of fitness.Both of our experiences of the pressures of masculinity, and how these have played into some of our thoughts/behaviours.Jamie's work with Men's Health, writing articles on male body image, steroids and more.Jamie's experiences interviewing celebrities like Henry Cavill, Jason Statham and Arnold Schwarzenegger.The time Jamie made it onto the cover of Men's Health.Devils Advocate Question: "Don’t you think teaching people about disordered muscle related behaviours will make it more likely people adopt them?"If you would like to follow Jamie and his work, you can follow him on:Instagram/Twitter: @mrjamiemillarYou can view his articles on Men's Health's website.Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Disclaimer - During this podcast, we discuss eating disorder symptoms, abusive relationships, experiences of poor mental health, and other potentially distressing topics. Please be careful if you choose to listen.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with Victoria Kleinsman the food freedom and body image coach. Victoria works to empower high achieving women who "can't stick to a diet anymore" to feel normal around food & to love themselves.Listen to the pod to hear us discuss:The importance of doing what is meaningfulThe ways we organise our routineVictoria's experiences with Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder Victoria's experience with an abusive relationship and how this intertwined with her disordered eating and body image issuesVictoria's thoughts on the fitness industryVictoria's coaching businessAnd more!To find Victoria you can follow her on Instagram: @victoriakleinsmanYou can also visit her website: https://victoriakleinsman.com/Make sure to listen to my guest appearance on Victoria's podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SN8zmozWthOk1cIgyTJvp?si=9fb4ff45c74b44acPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds Podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.Disclaimer - In this episode we talk about disordered eating, disordered exercise and suicide. Please take care if choosing to listen.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with the founder of Run Talk Run, and now Walk Talk Walk, Jessica Robson.Listen to the full podcast to hear us discuss:Our relationships with exercise and how they have changed over time Jess's experiences with bulimia What is Run Talk Run?Why Jess started Run Talk RunHow Run Talk Run is progressing Our advice for people wanting to start their own business To find Jess you can follow her on:Instagram: @JessicamaryrobsonTwitter: @runtalkrunAlso make sure you head over to the Run Talk Run website: https://www.runtalkrun.com/

Disclaimer - In this episode we talk about eating disorders and compulsive exercise.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I speak with Hannah Lewin a personal trainer who specialises in working with people with eating disorders (ED). Hannah is also the founder of Mind+Motion an online resource of exercise for people recovering from an ED.Listen to this podcast to hear us discuss:The role of exercise in ED recovery.How to start a conversation with a client/gym member you are worried about.The do's and dont's for PT's working with clients who have an ED.What is Mind+Motion?This week's Devils Advocate question: People with ED’s tend to have a bad relationship with exercise, so shouldn’t we be discouraging these people away from exercise?To find Hannah you can follow her social media:Instagram/Twitter: @hannahlewinptAnd you can follow Mind+Motion on:Instagram/Twitter: @mindplusmotionPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.

Please remember that no episode of the MyoMinds podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advice and/or care.Disclaimer - In this episode we talk about eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image issues. Some of this might be upsetting for listeners.In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast I speak with Dr. Russell Delderfield who works at the University of Bradford and specialises in eating disorders (ED's) in men and boys.Listen to the full podcast to hear us talk about:The ins and outs of eating disorders in menMuscularity oriented disordered eating and body image concernsSeeing the body as separate from the self The potentially disordered behaviours underlying the fitness communitySocietal pressures put on menThe role of masculinity in male ED'sThe Devil's Advocate question: Don’t men with ED’s just need to man up?To find Russell you can follow him on Twitter: @MaleEDResearch

Disclaimer - In this episode you talk a lot about disordered eating behaviours which includes self-induced vomiting and restrictive eating. We also talk about suicide and other potentially stressful topics. In this episode of the MyoMinds Podcast, I speak with Teanna, a competitive Brazilian jujitsu (BJJ) athlete. We go in-depth about Teanna's past with bulimia and poor mental health, as well as how she has recovered from some of these struggles.Listen to the full podcast to hear us discuss:What BJJ is and why you should try itHow Teanna got into BJJ Teanna's experiences with bulimia and how she recoveredOur opinions on food tracking within sportThe episode's Devils Advocate Question: "Don’t you think teaching people to fight will lead to more violence and have a negative influence on their life?" To follow Teanna you can go to her Instagram: @teanna_taylor_bjjPlease remember that no episode of the MyoMinds podcast can be used as a replacement for medical advise and/or care