The Full of Beans Podcast

In this week’s episode of Full of Beans, I’m joined by Ailidh Musgrave, an eating disorder campaigner, whose story spans years of misdiagnosis, medical trauma, and being repeatedly told she was “too complex” to treat.Ailidh was diagnosed with anorexia at 13, and spent her teens and early adulthood in a cycle of nine inpatient admissions, severe depression, self-harm, sepsis, multiple surgeries and even temporary paralysis. Alongside her eating disorder, she lives with autism and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which went misunderstood or dismissed for years.Now, two years out of hospital, back in education and moving in with her partner, Ailidh is using her experience to push for safer, more compassionate care and to challenge the Assisted Dying Bill through the #DyingForTreatment campaign.In this conversation, Ailidh shares what it’s like to be rejected from over 20 hospitals, labelled “too complex”, and still find her way back to life – and why she believes no one with anorexia should ever be put on a palliative pathway.This week, we discuss:Misdiagnosis, gastrointestinal symptoms and the long road to an EDS diagnosisThe dramatic shift from CAMHS to adult servicesHow autism and neurodivergence were misunderstood in eating disorder treatmentBeing turned away by over 20 hospitals and the “postcode lottery” of careWhy Ailidh is speaking out against the Assisted Dying Bill and the risk for people with anorexiaThe power of time, trust and being truly listened to in recoveryHow her mum held onto hope when she couldn’t – and why hope is the most important thing clinicians can offerLived experience and family perspectives are essential if we want eating disorder care to be truly compassionate, person-centred and safe. Ailidh’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond help, no matter how long or how complex their journey has been.Timestamps:01:20 – Ailidh's Experience of Inpatient Admissions05:50 – CAMHS vs Adult Inpatient Care09:40 – Autism and Misunderstanding14:10 – EDS Diagnosis and Medical Trauma18:30 – 9 Admissions in 13 Years24:20 – Community Aftercare and Service Gaps29:00 – Concerns About The Assisted Dying Bill36:40 – Finding Internal Motivation For Recovery43:10 – The Impact On FamilyResources & LinksConnect with Ailidh on LinkedInConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website hereListen on YOUTUBE here⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Hannah is joined by Anna Carnegie. Anna is a Research Fellow at KCL, where she coordinates the Eating Disorders Clinical Research Network (or "EDCRN") and lends support to the UK Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (or "EDGI UK"). Alongside her academic role, Anna brings her own lived experience of OCD, anorexia, and long-term recovery. She now uses that experience to shape research, advocate for better funding, and push for eating disorder studies that truly centre the people they’re supposed to help.This week, we discuss:The huge funding gap in eating disorder research and why it mattersWhat EDCRN and EDGI UK are, and how they’re trying to answer basic questions about “what works”Genetics, metabolism, and why there is no single “eating disorder gene”The emotional burden and boundaries of working as a peer researcherAnna’s journey through OCD, anorexia, and treatment in Ireland and the UKHow lived experience can shape research design, language, and prioritiesThe life-changing impact of an NHS admission that focused on life goals, not just weightWhy one-size-fits-all treatment doesn’t work and the need for truly individualised careTimestamps:00:00 – Introducing Anna and her roles at King’s, EDCRN & EDGI UK04:00 – The reality of underfunding in eating disorder research08:30 – Lived experience, stigma, and language in research settings14:00 – Peer research, boundaries, and “naming the elephant in the room”20:00 – Anna’s story: OCD in childhood, anorexia in adolescence, and treatment in Dublin37:00 – What EDCRN does and why standardised outcome data is so important42:00 – Genetics, vulnerability, the “jar” analogy, and prevention46:00 – One-size-fits-all treatment, neurodiversity, and hopes for the future of ED careResources & LinksConnect with Anna on X (@Anna_Carnegie)Connect with Anna on Blue Sky (@annacarnegie.bsky.social)Find out more about EDCRNFind out more about EDGI UK or email edgi@kcl.ac.ukConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website here⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders and OCD. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode of Full of Beans, Han is joined by Zoë Harwood. Zoë is the founder of Light Minds Collective, a compassionate and soul-centred coaching space dedicated to helping individuals heal from low self-confidence, eating disorders, and poor body image.With over 20 years of experience in mindset coaching within the dance industry and beyond, Zoë combines holistic and creative approaches to guide clients towards living with confidence, integrity, and purpose.Drawing on her own lived experience of orthorexia, which complicated her pregnancy and led to hyperemesis and a difficult delivery, Zoë now uses her journey to raise awareness of eating disorders in pregnancy and beyond, and to empower others to find food freedom and authentic self-worth.This week, we discuss:How the pursuit of “health” can mask deep fear and anxietyThe overlap between orthorexia and OCD behavioursThe role of veganism and “clean eating” in fuelling obsessive food rulesZoë's experience of hyperemesis and pregnancy while living with orthorexiaHow shame, guilt, and self-blame show up in motherhood and recoveryThe importance of curiosity and compassion when “healthy habits” become harmfulTimestamps:00:00 – Zoë's background in dance and early relationship with food04:00 – The fear of illness that fuelled her obsession with “health”08:00 – When veganism and clean eating became orthorexia12:00 – Understanding orthorexia as a form of OCD17:00 – Pregnancy, hyperemesis, and refusing medical treatment24:00 – Shame, guilt and the impact on motherhood31:00 – Finding recovery and redefining “healthy”38:00 – Advice for those struggling during pregnancy or with orthorexiaResources & LinksConnect with Zoë on Instagram @lightmindcollectiveVisit Zoë's website Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website here⚠️ Trigger Warning: Mentions of eating disorders, orthorexia, pregnancy complications, and medical trauma. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode of the Full of Beans podcast, Han is joined by Dr Tomos Williams. Tom has worked in the CWP Eating Disorder Service since May 2022. He works across community and specialist inpatient settings. He is the Psychiatric lead in the regional Type 1 Diabetes and Disordered Eating Clinic, the local MEED lead, and also works with patients with complex presentations, acting as a link person for local acute trusts. He is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatry Eating Disorder Faculty Executive Committee.This week, we discuss:What T1DE is, and why “diabulimia” is an outdated termThe life-threatening risks of insulin omissionHow eating disorders and diabetes treatment often conflictWhy T1DE clinics are essential, but underfundedThe role of eating disorder and diabetes professionalsWhat joined-up, trauma-informed care looks likeThe outcomes and success of T1DE pilotsThe urgent need for political support to save these servicesTimestamps:01:30 – What is Type 1 Diabetes and Disordered Eating (T1DE)04:00 – Medical risks associated with insulin omission08:50 – Building the T1DE clinic & lack of national funding13:10 – The power of a multi-disciplinary team18:40 – Early signs of T1DE and what clinicians should look for22:10 – Impact of trauma & perfectionism in diabetes25:00 – Outcomes & HbA1c improvements29:00 – Barriers to insulin pump access33:20 – Can you recover from EDs while managing diabetes?Resources & Links:The Compassion Project (Wessex & London T1DE Pilot)Parliamentary Inquiry into T1DE (2023)Diabetes UK on T1DEWant to help save T1DE services?Write to your local MP and demand continued funding. Mention the NHS England pilot outcomes and the need for integrated care for patients with type 1 diabetes and eating disorders.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website here⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses lived experiences of eating disorders, restrictive behaviours, and mentions of specific foods. Please take care when listening.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode of Full of Beans, Han is joined by Logan Strather, integrative psychotherapist, clinical lead at an eating disorder charity in Nottinghamshire, and co-founder of Garden Room Therapy.Logan first explored late-onset eating disorders (LOED) during his undergraduate research and now works directly with clients experiencing these challenges first-hand.In this episode, we discuss:Is “late-onset eating disorder” the right term?What the research (or lack thereof) tells us about age and onsetHormonal and neurological factors (e.g., menopause, oestrogen, impulse control)How medical weight stigma contributes to missed diagnosesEating disorders in care homes and older adultsThe emotional toll of shame, grief, and moral incongruenceGendered assumptions and the underrepresentation of menWhat needs to change in treatment models for older adultsTimestamps:01:30 – What does “late-onset ED” actually mean?05:00 – Hormones, menopause & appetite regulation08:00 – Weight stigma in healthcare12:00 – Life transitions & ED vulnerability in older age25:00 – Men and late-onset eating disorders30:00 – Neurodivergence and late diagnosis34:00 – Adapting treatment for older adults40:00 – What needs to change in research & services⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions around eating disorder behaviours, weight stigma, menopause and grief, and care homes. Please take care when listening.Resources & Links:@gardenroomtherapy on InstagramFreed Recovery (Nottinghamshire charity service) – rebranding soon!Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website hereIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode of Full of Beans, Han is joined by Eric Pothen. Eric is a Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach and an eating disorder advocate who serves on the Peer Council for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the Community Engagement Committee for the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). After struggling with an eating disorder for several years, Eric now uses his lived experience to raise awareness and support others on their recovery journeys, particularly around eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image, with a special focus on men.Eric is currently pursuing a degree in Counselling at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, to become an eating disorder therapist, specialising in working with men and the LGBTQ+ community.In this week's episode, we discuss:Navigating shame, identity, and the onset of an eating disorderWhy recovery can feel messyReframing exercise and “food is fuel” in recoveryRecovery perfectionism vs. authentic recoverySupporting individuals as people first, not by gender stereotypesThe hidden and under-discussed behaviour of chewing and spittingThe importance of intention and reframing in long-term recoveryUnderstanding the intersectionality of identity in ED supportTimestamps:03:00 – Eating disorder onset: identity, stress & sadness08:00 – Shame & internalised stigma for men12:00 – People pleasing and external validation18:00 – Compulsive exercise & social reinforcement22:00 – Recovery as rewiring: food, movement & intention27:00 – The messiness of recovery & doing it solo30:00 – Alcohol, chewing/spitting & hidden behaviours34:00 – Marathon training: helpful or harmful?40:00 – Intersectionality and seeing the person, not the gender⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of eating disorder behaviours including anorexia, compulsive exercise, chewing and spitting, and alcohol use. Please take care whlist listening. Resources & Links:Instagram: @ericpothanNEDA Peer Council: nationaleatingdisorders.orgConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereCheck out our website hereIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode of Full of Beans Han is joined by Anne Richardson. Anne is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She has been practising for more than ten years and exclusively works in the field of disordered eating. Anne suffered with anorexia in her teens and now draws from her lived experience to blend her knowledge of nutrition with her CBT skills. She works with people all over Europe to help them achieve food freedom. She is also invested in helping other practitioners work with disordered eaters as she recognises that general nutritional advice can be extremely damaging to disordered eaters. Anne is also a mum, a maker of all things and especially a keen baker.This week, we discuss:The truth about eating late at night and weight gainWhy your brain needs carbohydrates to sleepThe truth about pasta and couscousHow black-and-white thinking harms recoveryMental vs. physical hunger: how restriction plays into cravingsNormalising emotional eatingFinding balanced nutrition in recovery Timestamps:05:30 – What a nutritionist does in ED recovery14:00 – The “don’t eat after 6pm” myth21:00 – Mental vs physical hunger30:00 – The truth about fear foods like pasta39:00 – Why emotional eating isn’t bad43:00 – Finding balance in recovery⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses lived experiences of eating disorders, restrictive behaviors, and mentions of specific foods. Please take care when listening.Resources & Links:Follow Anne on Instagram @theeatingdisordernutritionistVisit her website theeatingdisordernutritionist.co.ukConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Harry and his grateful mum, Jacqui, who are the hosts ‘Don't Weight to Change?’ which began following my personal 10+ year battle with anorexia.By sharing their story, they aimed to help others struggling with mental health issues, especially young boys and men, creating a safe space for candid discussion and support.Their story is one of honesty, compassion, and the power of connection between parent and child, showing how recovery is not only about healing the individual, but also about transforming relationships and finding hope together.In this week's episode of Full of Beans, we discuss:Harry’s experience as the first male inpatient on a UK eating disorder wardThe impact of gender stereotypes on diagnosis, denial, and supportHarry's desire for male support and role models in recovery How exercise addiction and perfectionism mask disordered behavioursThe role of family in recovery The trauma and helplessness felt by parents and loved onesWhy the New Maudsley Method was a turning point in their recovery journeyHow the Don’t Wait to Change podcast is helping other men feel seen and heardTimestamps: 01:58 – Why they started their podcast, Don’t Wait to Change03:10 – Early signs and unhelpful eating disorder treatment06:46 – The lack of male-specific ED support10:27 – Inpatient experience as the only male 15:01 – The role of exercise and compulsive behaviours 22:10 – The impact on family and how they coped 43:02 – How vulnerability strengthened family bonds 49:42 – Why weight doesn't equal wellness 📍 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorder behaviours, medical trauma, and suicidal ideation. Please take care when listening.Resources & Links:Follow Harry & Jacqui on Instagram @dontweighttochangeListen to their podcast on Spotify Don't Weight To Change Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Harriet Parsons, CEO of BodyWhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland.Harriet is a qualified psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Alongside her clinical background, she’s passionate about education, advocacy, and making services more accessible and compassionate for carers.Harriet joins us to discuss how services can better support the families, partners, and carers of people living with eating disorders, and why helping “the system around the person” is just as important as direct treatment.Together, we explore:The Pillar Programme and how it builds carer resilienceHow Maudsley Carer Skills can empower families to support recoveryThe myth of the “perfect carer” and why presence > perfectionThe importance of meeting carers where they are emotionallySupporting professionals to better understand the carer experienceHow carers can change their approach to support recoveryTimestamps:04:25 – Harriet’s pathway into ED work and psychotherapy08:10 – Understanding the unique needs of carers13:00 – Pillar Programme: what it is and how it works19:15 – Maudsley Carer Skills & emotional coaching24:45 – Why psychoeducation is game-changing30:40 – What Harriet wishes more professionals knew36:00 – Moving from “fixing” to “supporting”41:50 – Final reflections and words of encouragement⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and caregiving. Please take care while listening.Resources & Links:Visit BodywshyConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

This week, I’m joined by my dear friend George Mycock, a PhD candidate at the University of Worcester, who is studying men’s help-seeking and access to care for Eating and/or Body Image Psychopathology (EBIP)George is also involved in several projects, including the Mental Health and Movement Alliance at the charity Mind, the steering group for the National Audit of Eating Disorders and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and co-led a project with the Consider Male Eating Disorders Team from the University of Nottingham and King's College London.George joins us today to discuss his PhD research, focusing on how to make eating disorder services more accessible for men and his hope for future awareness.Together, we explore:The presence of imposter syndrome in academia and researchThe barriers men face when seeking help for eating disordersHow services and resources often unintentionally “other” menMuscle dysmorphia, body image pressures, and male experiences of disordered eatingGeorge’s work on developing inclusive guidance for servicesWhy hope, awareness, and representation matter for men’s recoveryTimestamps: 01:04 – George's PhD research on men and eating disorders 10:00 – Why terminology matters (EBIP vs eating disorders) 20:00 – Barriers men face in accessing services 30:00 – Research on clinician bias and awareness 40:00 – Developing inclusive guidance with lived experience 55:00 – Why opening up these conversations matters⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, disordered eating behaviours, and body image concerns. Please listen with care and seek support if you are struggling.Resources & Links:Visit MyomindsReview paper from George's PhD"Touchy subject" paperLink to the guidance documentConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to help us spread awareness.Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Remie Colledge. Remie is a neurodivergent public speaker, trainer and writer, with lived experience of recovery from anorexia. Remie discovered she was autistic many years after her struggle with anorexia began, and she received an even later ADHD diagnosis. Understanding and processing her experiences through a neuroaffirmative lens became a turning point, and a therapeutic part of her recovery journey. Remie is passionate about the value of sharing lived experience in an intentional way, along with working together with others to create a more neuro-inclusive world to live, work and belong, a world that really supports neurodivergent wellbeing.This week, we discuss:How undiagnosed neurodivergence shaped early eating difficultiesWhy ED behaviours can become coping strategies for sensory overloadHow autism & ADHD traits can get entangled with disordered eatingLetting go of “perfect recovery” and embracing the grey areasWhat eating disorder burnout looks and feels likeReconnecting with joy, identity, and special interests in recoveryBuilding a life that works with your neurodivergent brain, not against itTimestamps:04:00 – School transitions, sensory overload & early food struggles12:00 – Control, masking, and the early roots of anorexia17:00 – Autism, perfectionism & the “myth” of linear recovery24:00 – Burnout: neurodivergent & ED-related30:00 – ADHD, hyper-focus, and the illusion of “doing it all”38:00 – Building a recovery that respects your neurotype43:00 – Connection, identity & life beyond the EDTrigger Warning: This episode discusses anorexia, recovery relapse, diagnostic experiences, and burnout. Please take care while listening.Links and Resources:Connect with Remie on LinkedinVisit Remie's websiteConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by James Downs and Marissa Adams to discuss their recent publication exploring the link between eating disorders, late-diagnosed autism and social connectedness.James is a mental health campaigner, peer researcher and expert by experience in eating disorders. He works to develop collaboration across a range of professional and personal perspectives to improve mental health for all. He is also a musician, movement practitioner, and artist.Together, James and Marissa recently published research exploring the link between eating disorders, late autism diagnosis, and social connectedness.This week, we discuss:How late autism diagnosis can reframe the story of an eating disorderWhy one-size-fits-all eating disorder treatment often fails autistic peopleThe role of masking, misdiagnosis, and co-occurring conditions in ED developmentWhy individualised, neurodiversity-affirming care is essential for recoveryHow social connection looks different for autistic people (small circles, pets, nature)The importance of creating safe, validating treatment spaces where people can “re-story” identityWhy embracing difference can unlock more flexible, compassionate recovery support for everyoneTimestamps:06:30 – Late diagnosis, masking, and misdiagnosis 13:30 – Inpatient treatment, relapse, and the need for adaptation 18:30 – Making sense of autism post diagnosis 25:00 – Untangling autistic traits and eating disorder behaviours 31:00 – Social connection, pets, and neurodivergent-friendly community in recovery 38:00 – What flexible, individualised treatment can look like 45:00 – Identity, acceptance, and embracing neurodivergence in recovery Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of anorexia, bulimia, relapse, inpatient treatment, and diagnostic experiences.Read James and Marissa's recent paper [here].Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Rachel Egan. Rachel is a mental health campaigner who has personal experience of anorexia, laxative use, depression and anxiety. Rachel is the Strategic Communications and Marketing Manager for Dump the Scales, a trainer and activist who delivers eating disorder training sessions and has appeared on Sky News, BBC News and has her own column on the Huffington Post, all to improve the understanding of eating disordersThis week, we discuss:Rachel’s experience of anorexia and laxative misuseWhy laxative abuse felt like a form of self-punishmentThe serious physical health risks associated with laxative misuseRachel’s concerns about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs being marketed to the general publicWhy GLP-1s could be especially dangerous for people with eating disordersThe urgent need for regulation, education, and behavioural support alongside medicationHow social media, body ideals, and fatphobia influence our health choicesRachel’s optimism about Gen Z and their resistance to appearance pressuresTimestamps:01:00 – Rachel’s experience of anorexia and laxative misuse07:00 – The shame and secrecy around bingeing and purging09:30 – Physical and emotional toll of laxative misuse13:00 – Recovery journey and finding support16:30 – Concerns around GLP-1 weight-loss medications and eating disorders24:00 – The impact of weight stigma, fatphobia, and diet culture30:00 – The risk of normalising disordered behaviours through medication34:00 – Body image, steroids, and pressure on young peopleTrigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of anorexia, binge eating, laxative abuse and GLP-1 mediations.Resources & Links:Rachel's InstagramRachel's WebsiteDump The Scales InstagramConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Mollie Campbell is a lived experience advocate with a history of ARFID. After a misdiagnosis of anorexia and lack of treatment for ARFID, Mollie shares her story to increase awareness to help others who are struggling. This week, we discuss:Mollie's experience (of lack there of) of ARFID treatment and her anorexia misdiagnosisHow emetophobia played a role in Mollie's ARFID The common ARFID misunderstandings that need to be addressed to support ARFID recoveryTechniques Mollie has used to increase food variety in her diet The support Mollie received from her GP How Mollie's school helped her during her ARFID recovery Timestamps:[00:42] - Mollie’s introduction and early experiences with eating disorder services[06:20] - Misdiagnosis of anorexia and why treatment fell short[08:05] - How emetophobia (fear of sickness) played a role in her ARFID[12:00] - Body image and ARFID[23:36] - Helpful strategies: traffic light system & laddering exposure[32:00] - The crucial role of her GP and how they advocated for her[35:30] - Support from teachers and what made the difference[43:33] - Mollie’s advice for young people with ARFID and those supporting themTrigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of ARFID, anorexia, self harm and suicide. Resources & Links:Connect with Mollie via InstagramConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Marcelle Rose. Marcelle empowers women to overcome binge eating, emotional eating, and eating disorders, enabling them to reclaim their lives through a unique synergy of nutritional therapy, eating psychology, and mindset coaching. She is the author of the bestselling book The Binge Freedom Method™: Your Four Pillar Plan to Beat Emotional Eating for Good, and a BANT Registered Nutritionist and Coach with specialist training in eating disorders and behaviour change. Marcelle works with clients across the UK and internationally, and also supports women through her free Facebook community, The Food Freedom Collective. In this week's episode, we discuss:The cycle of binge eating and how restriction drives itWhy structured eating and nourishment are essential tools for recoveryThe emotional roots of binge eating and how to identify triggersHow to build self-awareness using food and emotion journalingThe importance of understanding hunger and satiety cuesConcerns about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for people with disordered eatingHow GLP-1s may increase vulnerability to eating disorders and body image issuesThe physiological impact of GLP-1s and concerns we don't yet know about Timestamps:01:00 – Introducing Marcelle and her work in nutrition, mindset & ED recovery 05:00 – The binge-restrict cycle and the emotional aftermath 10:30 – Structured eating, blood sugar regulation & empowerment through food 17:00 – Emotional triggers, ED thoughts & journaling for self-awareness 23:00 – Reconnecting with hunger and satiety cues 27:30 – What GLP-1 medications are and how they affect satiety 32:00 – The dangers of promoting GLP-1s as binge eating “solutions” 38:00 – Media influence, weight stigma & fear of weight gain Resources & Links:Marcelle's Book (The Binge Freedom Method™)Marcelle's InstagramFacebook pageThe Food Freedom CollectiveMarcelle's WebsiteMarcelle's Linkedin Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

This week on the Full of Beans podcast, Han is joined by Brea Cannady. Brea is the founder of PREPÆRE™, a platform focused on integrating mental health safeguards into cosmetic care. Her work challenges the aesthetic industry to take emotional wellbeing seriously by creating tools and resources that support patients before treatment ever begins.Through PREPÆRE™, she advocates for better standards, safer conversations, and responsible care pathways that protect both patients and practitioners. Her mission is rooted in lived experience, deep research, and a refusal to accept the status quo.Together, we explore:What Body Dysmorphic Disorder really isThe risks of using surgery as a solution to psychological distressWhy cosmetic procedures can worsen BDD symptomsHealthy vs. harmful motivations for aesthetic treatmentsHow Prepaere empowers both clients and clinics for safe comestic treatments The need for psychological safety and better regulation in aesthetic medicineTimestamps: 00:34 – Brea's personal experience with BDD 03:18 – Brea's experience of cosmetic surgery 10:05 – Misconceptions about BDD & body image 14:30 – Can surgery ever be the solution? 19:35 – Addiction to appearance-based control 24:22 – When “self-care” becomes reliance 31:00 – What should be the clinician’s role? 35:40 – Introducing the Prepaere tool Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of body dysmorphic disorders, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery. Resources & Links:Email: info@prepaere.com PREPÆRE™ Instagram Brea's LinkedIn PREPÆRE™ WebsiteConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Dr. Stephen Linacre. Stephen is a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the NHS with extensive experience supporting individuals with eating disorders and neurodiversity. He’s published research, contributed to books, and chairs the trustee board of Freed Beaches, a Nottingham-based charity supporting people with eating disorders.Having lived through an eating disorder himself, Stephen brings a powerful dual perspective to his clinical work and advocacy, particularly in raising awareness for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).This week, we discuss: Stephen’s lived experience of anorexia nervosa Navigating eating disorder recovery alongside Type 1 diabetes and cerebral palsyHow his personal eating disorder experience shaped his career in clinical psychologyIntroduction to ARFID and the lack of recognition in servicesKey differences between ARFID and anorexiaThe role of neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities in ARFIDWhy misdiagnoses like “fussy eating” are harmfulPractical advice for clinicians, parents, and carers supporting someone with ARFIDTimestamps:01:42 – Stephen's personal experience of anorexia as a teenage boy05:51 – Living with Type 1 diabetes and cerebral palsy12:00 – Stigma, recovery, and men with EDs16:40 – Introducing ARFID and why services fall short18:28 – ARFID vs. anorexia: why standard treatment may be harmful22:05 – Autism, sensory issues, and ARFID overlaps24:00 – Challenges with diagnosis, language, and access to care27:00 – Advice for parents, carers, and cliniciansTrigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of anorexia, ARFID, chronic illness, and recovery. Please listen with care.Resources & Links:ARFID & Autism research paperBirth complications & eating disorders research paper Peace pathway (Autism & eating disorder resources) ARFID Awareness UKConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

This week, Han is joined by Zoe Hazel, a mental health advocate, campaigner, and public speaker with lived experience of binge eating disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Zoe has shared her story at the Dump the Scales Summit & March, spoken in Parliament to push for Mental Health Act reform, and sits on the Rethink Mental Illness Lived Experience Advisory Board.In this candid conversation, Zoe opens up about her journey with binge eating disorder, the lack of treatment available, and why we need to change the conversation and care pathways for people living with BED. We also discuss stigma, self-compassion in recovery, and what helps when support is hard to find.This week, we discuss:Zoe’s early experiences of binge eating disorderThe role of secrecy and shame reinforced her cycle of restriction and bingeZoe's reality of BED stigmas that exist The links between BED, bipolar disorder, and emotional regulationThe reality of navigating BED without treatment or local servicesWhy weight stigma in healthcare perpetuates harmPractical strategies Zoe uses to interrupt urges to bingeTimestamps:3:07 – Zoe’s early experiences with binge eating disorder8:05 – Injury, mobility changes, and stigma in healthcare14:55 – Control, addiction, and the emotional cycle of BED20:07 – The absence of treatment services for BED26:36 – What treatment should look like for BED 31:06 – Shame, secrecy, and the importance of talking about BED33:50 – Zoe’s practical coping toolsTrigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of binge eating disorder, restriction and bipolar disorder. Resources & Links:Connect with Zoe via InstagramConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

This week, we're joined by Dr. Anna Colton, a clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist passionate about helping families to prevent passing on food and body image struggles to the next generation. She's the author of How to Talk to Children About Food, recently featured in The Times and ITV’s This Morning.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating parenting, recovery, or both to learn how we can break the cycle of disordered eating by fostering healthier food narratives for the next generation.Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and essential when raising children.Key Takeaways:How childhood messaging about food and body image influences long-term beliefsSupporting recovery as a parent while protecting your children from harmful narrativesWhy the “good vs. bad food” binary causes harm, especially in schoolsHow to navigate food talk with children if you're struggling yourselfHow to create age-appropriate, inclusive, and curious conversations about nutritionThe reality of recovery: why motivation doesn’t always start with selfThe cultural pressure of “clean eating,” GLP-1 medications, and the impact on childrenTimestamps:02:00 – The story behind Anna's book05:30 – Where food beliefs begin in childhood11:10 – The harms of diet culture in schools17:20 – Healing when you’re still struggling yourself23:00 – Recovery as a form of parenting30:00 – Why disordered eating is often overlooked33:40 – The danger of unregulated weight loss medsTrigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, disordered eating, and weight loss medication, which may be triggering for some listeners.Resources & Links:Book: How to Talk to Children About Food BookConnect with Anna via: Website | InstagramConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Orlagh Reid. Orlagh is a qualified coach, accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience in complementary health, psychology and coaching. Orla specialises in women’s health, alcohol freedom, and clinical sexology.Orlagh joins Han to discuss the often-overlooked relationship between alcohol use disorder and disordered eating, exploring the complexities and shared behaviours between the two.This week, we discuss:How alcohol is often used to self-soothe or replace food The cultural normalisation of alcohol and how it affects recovery The similarities between eating disorder and alcohol recovery journeys How neurodivergence and menopause in alcohol misuse The shift toward alcohol freedom, and what that truly meansThe importance of curiosity and awareness in your relationship with alcohol and foodTimestamps: 01:00 – The culture of alcohol in Ireland05:00 – How alcohol became part of Orlagh's work 08:30 – The all-or-nothing mindset in both EDs and alcohol use 13:40 – Neurodivergence, diet neglect, and alcohol patterns 20:00 – Social pressures and the reward cycle 26:00 – Alcohol and menopause 32:00 – Orthorexia, wellness extremes & personal reflectionTrigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and disordered eating. Please check in with yourself before listening. Support is available via charities such as Beat and First Steps.Resources & Links:Orlagh's websiteTrigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and disordered eating.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛