Butterfly: Let's Talk

In this episode of Let’s Talk we’re diving into the mind-blowing world of weight stigma with two very authentic and vocal fat activists. You may also laugh out loud and decide you want these women as your new best friends. Demi Lynch is a researcher and journalist from Kaleidoscope News. April Helene-Horton, aka The Bodzilla, is a body diversity advocate and well-known content creator. They’ll be sharing their no-holds-barred views on stigma and stereotyping, dating and relationships, the disconnect between health and health care, and what it really means for a person to take up space. It may be tough to hear, but if you don’t know what it’s like to live in a larger body, this conversation will help you to get it. If you do live in a larger body, Demi and April are here to let you know you’re not alone in your experience — and with them in your corner, there are things you can do to keep going with hope. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online The Butterfly referral database can be found Information on the Weight Stigma Conference can be found You can find Demi on Instagram here and April on Instagram Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode of Let's Talk we're diving into a topic that will impact young people and any adults who love, work with, or educate them: We're talking about the incoming social media age restrictions, otherwise known as "the social media ban". There's been a lot of discussion and even confusion about what these changes mean, why they're happening, and how they might affect the wellbeing of teens as they navigate a world increasingly shaped by online connection. Australia is leading the world in this space, and the whole world is watching. Joining Yvie today is Danni Rowlands, the Director of Education Initiatives at Butterfly, who has spent nearly two decades working with young people, their families, sports clubs and schools. Danni brings a deep understanding of how digital environments shape identity, mental health, and the ways young people relate to their bodies. The ban was initiated, in part, because of the negative impact social media can have on their body image. Danni will explain how body image, mental health, and online safety more broadly, is not only about the platforms or algorithms. It's about people, community, belonging, and the pressures young people face as they grow up in a world that is constantly asking them to compare, perform, and keep up. More importantly, she'll share how adults can support the next generation through this major transition. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Tips around the social media ban for under 16s Find out more about BodyKind Online Education Find professional support for your teen's body image and eating  Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let’s Talk  we are diving into the realities of living with, and managing, a longstanding eating disorder. So many of us live in that space between acute illness and full recovery, we wanted to know what that means for our lives. Yvie is joined by Mallary Tenore Tarpley, author of "Slip, Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery”. Mallary shares her own lived experience with a long-term eating disorder, her ongoing recovery full of slips and setbacks and advice on what others can do when they encounter similar circumstances. Also joining Yvie is Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, an expert in treating complex eating disorders and author of "Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders" . She’ll be sharing how clinicians can create a sense of unified purpose with their clients in order to support long-term health and wellbeing. Recovery isn't about perfection, it's about progress, patience, and self-compassion. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Butterfly Referral Database You can find Mallary’s book You can find Dr. Jennifer’s book Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Let’s Talk dives into one of the most important parts of mental health and wellbeing: sleep. Yvie is joined by Dr Sumedha Verma, a sleep psychologist dedicated to helping people understand and improve their sleep in holistic, person-centred ways. Sleep problems affect around two-thirds of people in Australia. Sleep isn’t just a biological process – it’s also shaped by social and societal pressures, human connections, and personal experiences. Dr Verma explains how good sleep strengthens mental and physical health, and supports your relationship with yourself, your body, and your external environment. She and Yvie also discuss why sleep health is highly personal, and how cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a proven but often overlooked treatment. In this episode, you’ll discover why holistic, individualised support for sleep matters so much, especially for people living with mental health, eating, or body image concerns. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online You can find Dr Sumedha’s website Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Let’s Talk explores how art therapy can be a powerful recovery tool for people with eating disorders. Yvie speaks with clinician Serena Hill about the healing potential of this approach, including how creative expression can provide a safe space to explore emotions and support mental health. Through her work as an art therapist, including at Wandi Nerida Residential Treatment Centre in Queensland, Serena combines her background in mental health nursing, her lived experience of an eating disorder, and her passion for creativity. Art therapy is a surprisingly effective way for people to express and understand themselves. Yvie and Serena discuss the importance of compassionate, skilled support in mental health treatment, and how art therapy complements traditional approaches, especially when talk therapy isn’t enough. Whether you're struggling with body image or eating yourself, or supporting a loved one, this conversation offers hope and insight into recovery through creative means. Resources: Association of Art Therapists in Australia Wandi Nerida Residential Treatment Centre Inner Expressions Art Therapy Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones is joined by Matildas star and Butterfly Foundation ambassador Katrina Gorry, who opens up about her personal journey with developing an eating disorder, and how she learned to treat her body with compassion, care and respect, even when it felt hard. Katrina shares how a period of personal turmoil led her to seek control of her life by controlling her food, and how that struggle affected her career as an athlete. With honesty and insight, Katrina also discusses how becoming a mother transformed her relationship with her body and what daily practices now help her to treat it with kindness and respect. This is a story about recovery, resilience, and rewriting the way we think, act and speak about bodies, both for ourselves and for others. Resources: Butterfly’s BodyKind August campaign Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Register for Butterfly’s free resources to help you be more BodyKind here. Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones explores an often-overlooked topic: the experience of body image in people living with disabilities. To help us understand, Yvie is joined by Juliette McAleer, a writer, researcher and disability advocate from regional Queensland. Juliette shares how she navigates the complexities of living with physical and psychosocial disabilities, all while recovering from an eating disorder. Yvie and Juliette discuss how ongoing medical issues, the system of care, and prejudice around difference can impact body image. Juliette shares how she learned to challenge societal standards and cultivate body kindness even when feeling good about her body was especially challenging. She also talks through how allies can better support disabled bodies with genuine inclusivity, understanding, and respect. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Check out the blog about research that looked at body image in women living with disabilities that was supported by Butterfly and conducted by WHISE, Women’s Health in the South East here. Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here. Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here. Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it’s OK to seek a second opinion. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Evie Jones explores the complex realities of body image among young people, with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. Featuring insightful conversations with Finn Sterling, a trans youth advocate; Jeanette Chan, a young, queer lived experience researcher; and Francesca Beilharz, a clinical psychologist, the episode delves into societal pressures, media influences, and personal identities that can shape body perceptions. The guests discuss the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth, including issues of dysphoria, access to affirming care, and community influences. They emphasise the importance of inclusive, affirming support and systemic change to foster acceptance, safety, and empowerment for all bodies. Plus, Finn shares how social media can both support and challenge body acceptance. This episode offers vital insights and compassionate advice for anyone navigating body image struggles, especially within traditionally marginalised communities. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online For information about Butterfly’s Body Kind Youth Survey that includes findings with LGBTQIA+ youth see here. For resources for the LGBTIQA+ community, including young people, see If you are professional working the LGBTQIA+ youth, there’s a tip sheet for you here. Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones delves into the complex journey of eating disorder recovery through the powerful lenses of lived experience. She is joined by TJ, Keely, Beth, and Grace, who share their personal stories and professional insights as they navigate the challenges and breakthroughs associated with eating disorders. TJ opens up about his journey with anorexia and bulimia, highlighting how cultural and gender factors influenced his experience and recovery. Keely reflects on her challenging pathway to recovery, emphasising the importance of reconnecting with loved ones and finding joy in life beyond the eating disorder. Beth provides a unique perspective as a peer support facilitator, revealing the healing power of connection and community in the recovery process. Grace, a clinical program manager at the Butterfly Foundation, discusses the significance of incorporating lived experience into treatment programs, shedding light on the gaps often faced when transitioning from inpatient care to home. Throughout the episode, our guests reinforce that recovery is not a linear process but a continual journey shaped by personal growth, community support, and resilience. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the individual nature of recovery, the importance of representation in mental health services, and practical tips for navigating the path to healing.   Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders For treatment after in patient care in a hospital or residential treatment centre, see Next Steps. Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones engages in a heartfelt conversation about body image and self-acceptance as she speaks with broadcaster Myf Warhurst, research psychologist Professor Navjot Bhullar, endocrinologist Dr. Yvonne Chow, and actor and singer Mia Morrissey. Together, they delve into the complexities of body image in women, and why women are disproportionately impacted by body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. This discussion looks at various areas across a woman’s life span, including Myf's personal journey with aging and relationships, the psychological impact of societal standards as explained by Navjot, and Yvonne's insights on the role of hormones in a woman’s experience of her body over time. Mia shares her own experience with an eating disorder, and how physical health challenges alongside appearance ideals influenced her well-being. In the end, the episode calls for more understanding and kindness towards ourselves and our bodies. For the sake of all women, it’s time to resist toxic social prescriptions by basing our value on the way that we look. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online For more information and resources for women go to Butterfly’s dedicated page here. Read the full findings of the Butterfly Foundation and KPMG Appearance Ideals report Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here. Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit www.butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Yvie Jones dives into the hidden costs of body dissatisfaction and appearance-based discrimination in Australia. This discussion centres around the ground breaking "Appearance Ideals" report, commissioned by the Butterfly Foundation, to uncover the societal and economic toll of body image concerns. Joining Yvie are Sarah Squire, Head of Knowledge, Research, and Policy at Butterfly Foundation, Elizabeth Clark, a partner and researcher from KPMG and lived experience advocate Evie Gardiner. Together, they explore the staggering statistics behind body dissatisfaction, the widespread impact of appearance-based discrimination, and the urgent need for policy reform. This episode shares how body dissatisfaction affects over four million Australians, leading to significant mental and physical health challenges, economic strain, and social exclusion. The discussion highlights the role of social and cultural pressures, the financial burden of appearance-related expenses, and the intersectional nature of discrimination affecting diverse communities. Resources:Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Cost of Appearance Ideals: Read the full findings of the Butterfly Foundation and KPMG research. Find a Professional screened for their understanding of body image and eating disorders. Connect:Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here. Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here. Production Team:Produced by Yvie Jones and Sam Blacker from The Podcast Butler Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of our specialist counsellors. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk, we shift the conversation around body-image and eating disorders beyond youth and into midlife and later. Many assume that disordered eating is a struggle faced primarily by teenagers and young adults, but the reality is that body image concerns and eating disorders can persist—or even begin—when you’re older. Yvie is joined by Professor Gemma Sharp – a leading expert in eating disorders and body image at the University of Queensland; Kelly Griffin, who shares his experience as a male with an eating disorder that began at age 40; and Sue Cody, age 55, who experienced a relapse during perimenopause and shares her story of finding support. The conversation covers many topics – including the stigma and misconceptions around eating disorders in older adults, the impact of ageism and cultural narratives on body image, unique challenges in accessing appropriate care later in life and the importance of talking, advocacy, peer support, and ongoing research into this population. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here. Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here. More Resources can be found here Butterfly’s Peer Mentoring Program can be found here The menopause and eating disorders free online course can be found here Register for the free international Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders here (This is open to anyone with an interest in eating disorders research, especially those with a lived experience)  Connect: Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Let’s Talk, Yvie sits down with Jackson Rose, Helpline Supervisor at Butterfly Foundation, to explore the hidden risks of New Year’s resolutions. While the desire to improve or change ourselves isn’t inherently problematic, black-and-white thinking about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ behaviours—particularly around food and exercise—can carry serious psychological and physical risks. Jackson shares insights into how societal pressures and rigid resolutions around weight loss and fitness can do more harm than good, offering practical tips on how to recognise and navigate these challenges in the new year. Whether you’re feeling uneasy about your body after the holiday festivities or worried about a loved one, this episode encourages a more balanced, compassionate, and sustainable approach to self-care. Resources:Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)Chat onlineIf you feel you may be at risk, check out our screening tool here.Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here.Resources can be found here. ConnectFollow Yvie Jones on Instagram here.Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here. Production Team:Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me ProductionsExecutive Producer: Camilla BecketSupported by the Waratah Education FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  In this episode, Yvie explores the challenging issue of body image pressures facing men and, with her guests, examines how toxic standards impact male self-perception. How can men support one another and challenge these harmful expectations to create greater body acceptance and more compassionate spaces for their own bodies and others?  Joining Yvie are:  Konan Masuda, an 18-year-old with lived experience, candidly discusses the pressures young men face from peers, social media, and societal expectations, providing a raw look at how these challenges can shape their self-image.  Brock McLean, a former AFL star, opens up about his battle with bulimia nervosa during and after his career in elite sports. Brock sheds light on the intense pressures athletes face to meet physical and performance ideals, and how acknowledging his vulnerability and seeking help became key to his healing.  Nic Bloom, a mental health first aid trainer and advocate, shares invaluable, actionable advice on identifying body image struggles in men, starting supportive conversations, and breaking through the stigma that often prevents men from seeking help.  This episode explores the cultural and psychological factors driving toxic body standards for men, offering hope, practical strategies, and a call to action aimed at breaking the silence, reshaping ideals, and encouraging men to speak out.  Resources:  Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)  Chat online  Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here.  Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here.  Resources can be found here.  Connect:  Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here.  Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here.  Find out more about Konan Masuda.  Find out more about Brock McLean.  Find out more about Nic Bloom.  Production Team:  Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions  Executive Producer: Camilla Becket  Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation  If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counselors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ‘Let’s Talk’, Yvie dives into a meaningful conversation about body image and eating disorders, specifically within multicultural communities. Despite the pervasive nature of eating disorders across backgrounds, unique cultural and linguistic barriers can often amplify the challenges for those seeking support and understanding. Yvie is joined by two courageous women who share their experiences navigating cultural expectations and stigma; the discussion highlights barriers to accessing healthcare and the unique challenges these communities face. Psychologist Anila Azhar from Glebe Point Road Psychology adds insight into the importance of culturally sensitive care, addressing common challenges professionals face in treating diverse patients and offering strategies to improve support for individuals from varied cultural backgrounds. Resources: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Chat online Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here. Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here. Additional resources can be found here Connect Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here Learn more about Anila Azahar and her practice here Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. Next Steps: If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "Let's Talk," our new host, Yvie Jones, speaks with Dr. Preeya Alexander about the vital role of General Practitioners (GPs) in supporting patients with body image issues and eating disorders. Dr Preeya shares her unique insights into how GPs can build trust with their patients, collaborate with specialists, and navigate the challenges of treating eating disorders with sensitivity and care. We learn how social media misinformation fueled Dr Preeya’s passion for addressing body image issues and eating disorders and explore the impact of unconscious bias in patient care, plus how GPs can recognise early warning signs by understanding key risk factors and symptoms. Dr Preeya also offers practical advice for GPs on approaching patients who may have eating disorders by using compassionate and culturally sensitive language to build trust. The goal is commitment to their recovery. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) Free, confidential support from specialist counsellors. Chat online Support Script: Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here. Butterfly Referral Database: Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here. Follow Dr. Preeya Alexander: Instagram: @doctor.preeya.alexander Follow Yvie Jones: Instagram: @Yvie_Jones Production Team: Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions Executive Producer: Camilla Becket Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode. Next Steps: If you're concerned about an eating disorder for yourself or someone you care about, please reach out to the Butterfly National Helpline or chat online with one of their specialist counsellors. Remember, it's okay to seek a second opinion if you feel misunderstood. Recovery is possible with the right support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's digital age, young people are constantly bombarded with images and messages on social media that can deeply impact their wellbeing, including their body image.  Navigating this landscape can be challenging, both for young people and the parents, carers, and educators who support them. How can we guide young people through the ever-evolving digital world? In this episode, three experts share their invaluable insights:  Hannah Jarman, Research Fellow in the School of Psychology at Deakin University, explores the complex and far-reaching influences of social media on body image and eating disorders, shedding light on how these platforms can shape young minds.  Cara Webber, from Education, Prevention and Inclusion at the eSafety Commissioner, discusses strategies for creating safer online experiences for young people and protecting them from online harms.  Zoe Bradbury, Communications Specialist at Butterfly, shares her firsthand experiences with the harms of social media, having faced her own challenges with an eating disorder. Today, she works to improve online spaces by challenging myths and stereotypes and promoting kinder, more inclusive attitudes around bodies.  Tune in as we discuss actionable techniques and skills that will empower anyone who supports young people online, and introduce BodyKind Online Education, a new, engaging eLearning program for Australian secondary schools developed by Butterfly in collaboration with other key experts. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode is both a guide to BodyKind Online Education, as well as a tip-sheet to help you support the body image of the young people you love so they can have a more positive and safer experience online. Find out more about body kind online education This project was funded by the eSafety Commissioner’s Online Safety Grants Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The myth that eating disorders only affect women means there are still too many men who aren’t getting help. While it’s great to see more women accepting and celebrating their bodies for the way they were born to be, body image issues and eating disorders are mental health issues that do not discriminate. The difference is that they often look different in men, who are more likely to over exercise, abuse muscle building substances and engage in unsustainable diets. In pursuit of a big, tall, muscular and lean ideal, destructive behaviours can easily lead to both physical problems and psycho-social distress. Our guest, Alex Rodriguez, went through his own battle with eating and exercise, became an accredited dietitian, and now supports other men in recovery. “Our worth as men, or as human beings, is not determined by what we look like, nor how we eat, nor how good we are at “insert name’ exercise,” he says. "Much of my work includes normalising and destigmatising mental health experiences. I just want the world to be a safer, less judgemental, more accepting place." Listen to Alex on body ideals in relation to men, their experience of eating disorders, and how a sympathetic health professional can support a more genuine and sustainable health. Find out more about Alex Rodriguez Find a Health ProfessionalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There can be shame, guilt and fear attached to a struggle with one’s body or eating, not to mention confusion about whether you, or your loved one, may have a diagnosable or treatable problem. These are just some of the reasons why too many people don’t ask for help. It’s a pity, because talking to a professional can be life-changing. That’s why the Australian Government provides funding to the Butterfly National Helpline, a free and discreet information and support service available to anyone, anywhere in Australia. It's a safe space to connect with a trained counsellor; all you need is the courage to take that first step. “You need somebody who understands how complex and multifaceted eating and body image-related struggles can be,” says Ayesha Khan, the Helpline’s Clinical Operations Lead. “Everyone is welcome to contact us with their questions or concerns. Typically, people experiencing an issue with their eating behaviours reach out, but it could also be their family members or friends. Many health professionals contact us too. ”We asked Ayesha to walk us through how to use the Helpline, what it can and cannot do, what help-seekers can expect when they connect, and her insider’s view of the service. Tune in to our latest episode to discover how the Butterfly National Helpline can support you, your loved one, or your client. Contact the Butterfly National Helpline If you are in crisis contact Triple Zero If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline If you are a young person in crisis, contact Kids HelplineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carolyn Costin is one of the most well-known names in eating disorder recovery treatment. Her book, Eight Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder, is a pioneering work that was published more than a decade ago and is still regarded as a central text in the field. Some people think of eating disorders in terms of addiction, with programs to actively get drugs, alcohol, and other addictions out of one’s life. The problem is you can’t do that with food: “You have to learn how to deal with it”, says Carolyn. “It's very different.” Her eight keys provide insights and steps for facing the daunting task of recovery. From her own lived experience, and extensive work in the field, Carolyn clarifies the overarching topics for us to work through and come to the other side of this illness. In fact, she's had a hand in numerous initiatives to progress full recovery throughout her career. She developed the first residential treatment centre in the United States that has been replicated in other countries, including Australia. She’s also training recovery coaches to address the very real gaps in care. Carolyn is perennially interesting, and her message of hope is always enlightening. Read the 8 keys to recovery from an eating disorder Learn more about Wandi Nerida residential treatment Learn more about Carolyn CostinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.