The Other Side Of The Plate

Episodes

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  024 - A Different Kind of Back to School: Supporting Your Student Through Eating Disorder Recovery 18.08.2026 46m

  Episode 024 A Different Kind of Back to School: Supporting Your Student Through Eating Disorder RecoveryIn this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen talk through what the back to school season actually looks like when a child is in eating disorder recovery, drawing entirely on their own experience as caregivers. They cover slow re-entry plans and partial schedules, the school services many families never learn about until they ask, and the specific problem of school lunch — why a lunch monitor is not meal support, and what creative workarounds families have used to protect a third of the day's nutrition. Laura walks caregivers through the 504 plan in detail: what it is, what it is not, how to request one, and what to do when a district refuses. Both hosts spend time on the emotional side too — the exhaustion of navigating social noise all day, the grief of a social life on hold, and the permission to change the plan when it stops working. Listeners will come away with practical questions to bring to their school and a reminder that this season is now, not forever.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:00 Why Back to School Feels Different in Recovery02:30 Laura's Story: A Senior Year Interrupted05:00 It's Not All or Nothing: The Slow Re-Entry Plan06:40 School Services Families Don't Know Exist09:40 Jenni's Story: Six Weeks of Homebound School14:00 School Lunch: Why It's the Hardest Part of the Day17:30 Getting Creative with Lunch and Snacks20:20 Finding a Safe Person at School24:50 Social Noise and Why They Come Home Exhausted28:20 Adjusting Expectations: Sports, Activities, and Milestones33:00 The 504 Plan: What It Is and How to Request One41:00 When a District Says No42:20 Validation, Collaboration, and FlexibilitySUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/
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  023 - Trust & Treatment: How Outpatient Teams Support Lasting Recovery (with Melanie Lehman 04.08.2026 52m

  Episode 023 Trust & Treatment: How Outpatient Teams Support Lasting Recovery (with Melanie Lehman)In this episode, Laura Cohen sits down with Melanie Lehman, a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist. Laura and Melanie unpack how caregivers can build and get the most out of an outpatient treatment team: how to tell an eating disorder specialist from a general dietitian, what questions to ask a prospective provider, and how the dietitian, therapist, and medical provider roles overlap and collaborate. Melanie explains why outpatient care is the long haul rather than a quick fix, how she builds rapport with kids who won't engage, and why the caregiver is the most important member of the team. Listeners will come away with concrete language to use (including asking a doctor for orthostatic vitals), red flags that signal the wrong fit, and reassurance that they have every right to advocate and be treated as a partner in their loved one's care.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:20 Laura Introduces Melanie Lehman03:00 How Laura and Melanie Met: A Shared History05:30 Choosing a Dietitian: Why Specialty Matters08:00 Questions to Ask and Trusting Your Gut13:00 Building an Outpatient Team and What It Includes15:00 The Purpose of Outpatient Care: The Long Haul19:30 Roles of the Dietitian, Therapist, and Medical Provider27:00 Orthostatic Vitals and Additional Team Members30:30 Building Rapport with Kids Who Won't Engage36:00 The Caregiver's Role: Communication and Advocacy43:30 Handling Disagreements, Weight Goals, and Three TakeawaysSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association):https://www.medainc.org/Lehman Nutrition (Melanie Lehman's practice):https://www.lehmannutrition.com/Guest Bio:Melanie Lehman is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in private practice. She specializes in supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. She studied nutrition at the University of New Hampshire, and went on to complete her dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. From there, she began her career at the Cambridge Eating Disorder Center and subsequently was the Assistant Director of Clinical Services at Van Dusen Nutrition, a private practice group. Two years ago she took the leap to start her own private practice and recently hired her first dietitian, and hopes to grow Lehman Nutrition in the years to come. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association).
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  022 - Safe to Play: Returning to Sport After an Eating Disorder (with Megan Hellner and Katherine Hill) 21.07.2026 52m

  Episode 022Safe to Play: Returning to Sport After an Eating Disorder (with Megan Hellner and Katherine Hill)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Dr. Katherine Hill, a board-certified physician and former NCAA Division I swimmer, and Dr. Megan Hellner, a registered dietitian and researcher, the co-founders of AthleatMD, to talk through one of the questions caregivers ask most: when is it safe for an athlete to return to sport after an eating disorder? Katherine and Megan explain what makes athletes a unique population, why weight suppression and stress fractures so often get missed, and how RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) overlaps with eating disorders across all genders and sports. They walk through early warning signs, the medical red flags that warrant pulling an athlete from training, and how to tell an athletic heart from a malnourished one. Laura also shares her own lived experience as a dietitian who missed the signs in her gymnast daughter. Listeners will come away with a hopeful, practical roadmap for a low-and-slow return to sport, guidance on working with coaches and athletic staff, and specific tools, including the SEES return-to-activity guidelines, to bring to their own care team.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:40 Guest Introductions: Katherine Hill and Megan Hellner04:00 What Makes Athletes a Unique Population08:00 Higher-Risk Sports and Early Warning Signs12:30 Laura's Lived Experience: Stress Fractures and Weight Suppression16:40 What Is RED-S and Low Energy Availability20:00 Low Testosterone and Missed Signs in Male Athletes24:00 ARFID, Underfueling, and Overtraining28:00 Bradycardia and Medical Red Flags to Stop Training32:45 Deciding Whether to Step Away from Competition37:15 Coaches, Schools, and How Much to Share47:15 Returning to Sport and the SEES GuidelinesSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/AthleatMD:https://www.athleatmd.com/FEAST webinar — Helping Parents of Athletes Navigate Return to Sport While Battling RED-S and/or Eating Disorders:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIpNYWqMkB0SEES — Safe Exercise at Every Stage guidelines:https://www.safeexerciseateverystage.com/sees-guidelinesGuest Bios:Katherine Hill, MD, is a board-certified physician, eating disorder specialist, and co-founder of AthleatMD. She completed her undergraduate degree, medical degree, and clinical training at Stanford University, where she later joined the faculty in Adolescent Medicine. She went on to serve as the lead physician at Equip Health for four years before launching AthleatMD with Megan Hellner. A former NCAA Division I swimmer, Dr. Hill brings both clinical expertise and lived athletic experience to her work with athletes navigating eating disorders, RED-S, and the pressures of sport.Dr. Megan Hellner is a registered dietitian, researcher, and co-founder of AthleatMD, where she specializes in helping athletes and individuals recover from eating disorders and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). For more than two decades, she has served as the founding dietitian for some of the nation's leading eating disorder treatment programs. She is passionate about giving caregivers the knowledge, tools, and reassurance they need to confidently support their loved one's recovery journey.
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  021 - Project EMPOWER-ED: Helping Caregivers Navigate Tough Situations with Confidence 07.07.2026 51m

  Episode 021 Project EMPOWER-ED: Helping Caregivers Navigate Tough Situations with ConfidenceIn this episode, Jenni Gaines sits down with four members of the team behind Project EMPOWER-ED — Dr. Ari Kaiser, pediatric psychologist at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago; Dr. Jocelyn Lebow, child and adolescent psychologist at Mayo Clinic; Arielle Smith, clinical psychology PhD student at Northwestern University; and FEAST Executive Director Judy Krasna — to introduce a free online program designed to help caregivers navigate the hard moments of eating disorder recovery with more confidence and skill. Built on a single-session intervention model originally developed for caregivers of children with anxiety disorders, Project EMPOWER-ED addresses one of the most common and painful dynamics in eating disorder recovery: accommodation — the instinct to reduce a child's distress in ways that, despite coming from love, actually feed the illness. In about 20 to 30 minutes, caregivers walk through recognizing their child's avoidance patterns, understanding why even loving accommodation can hold recovery back, and learning concrete language and skills they can reach for right away, with a personalized action plan delivered immediately after. Representing a rare collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and families, Project EMPOWER-ED is available for free on the FEAST website and is now being expanded to serve caregivers at every stage of the eating disorder recovery journey.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:00 Guest Introductions: Dr. Ari Kaiser, Dr. Jocelyn Lebow, Arielle Smith, and Judy Krasna 03:30 Where Parents Get Lost: The Disempowerment of Eating Disorders 06:00 The Gap Between Hospital and Home 08:30 Why FEAST Said Yes: What Drew Judy to Project EMPOWER-ED 12:00 What Is a Single-Session Intervention? 19:30 What Accommodation Actually Looks Like Day-to-Day 23:00 Why Accommodation Happens — and Why It Has to Stop 26:30 Project EMPOWER-ED in Action: A Real Mealtime Example 31:00 What Changes When Parents Stop Accommodating 35:00 Who Is Project EMPOWER-ED For? 39:00 What This Program Could Have Changed: Judy's Reflection 44:00 Research Goals and What's NextSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Project EMPOWER-ED: https://feast-ed.org/project-empower-ed/Guest Bios:Dr. Ari Kaiser is a pediatric psychologist on the Inpatient Eating Disorders Service at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research and clinical work focus on supporting youth with eating disorders and implementing family-based treatment-informed approaches during hospitalization. Inspired by these experiences, she led the development of Project EMPOWER-ED. She is grateful for the many caregivers, collaborators, and community partners whose expertise, feedback, and shared commitment made Project EMPOWER-ED possible.Dr. Jocelyn Lebow is a child and adolescent psychologist at the Mayo Clinic. Her clinical practice includes working with young patients with eating disorders and their families in the primary care setting, and her research focuses on adapting evidence-based treatments to be more accessible to a wider range of people. She is a proud member of the FEAST Advisory Board.Arielle Smith is a clinical psychology PhD student at Northwestern University in the Lab for Scalable Mental Health. Her research focuses on developing and implementing single-session interventions for eating disorders. Her work on Project EMPOWER-ED is influenced by a family member's lived experience with an eating disorder.Judy Krasna has been involved in the eating disorders space as a parent advocate and an expert by experience for over 15 years. She was an active volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a staunch advocate for incorporating lived experience into research and treatment. After serving on the FEAST Board of Directors and taking on multiple volunteer roles within the organization, Judy stepped into the position of FEAST Executive Director in early 2021. Judy is passionate about helping families of people with eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life after a fierce and prolonged battle with anorexia.
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  020 - More than Food: What It Felt Like to Live with an Eating Disorder (with Liron Cohen and Ashley Steenhausen) 23.06.2026 45m

  Episode 020More than Food: What It Felt Like to Live with an Eating Disorder (with Liron Cohen and Ashley Steenhausen)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen welcome Liron Cohen, senior program coordinator at ANAD, and Ashley Steenhausen, a 20-year-old ANAD peer mentor who was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at 16, to continue answering the caregiver questions that there wasn’t time for during FEAST's 2026 FEAST of Knowledge recovery panel. Together, Liron and Ashley offer an inside view of what it actually feels like to live with an eating disorder — the relentless internal chaos, the ego-syntonic nature of the illness, the seductive-yet-tormenting voice that can never be won against, and why the disorder so often breeds isolation even when support is present. They also tackle one of the most common and least-understood symptoms — never feeling "sick enough" — and explain why that cruelty compounds the difficulty of seeking and accepting help. Listeners will come away with a translator's view of the eating disorder experience, a clearer sense of why compassion and patience matter more than any perfect response, and a reminder that caregivers need support too.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:00 Guest Introductions: Liron Cohen and Ashley Steenhausen03:30 What Is ANAD?04:30 What Peer Support Teaches: Liron on Working Alongside Recovery06:40 Being a Peer Mentor: Ashley's Experience at ANAD09:00 Why People with Eating Disorders Don't Feel Heard13:30 Older Adults with Eating Disorders: Invisible and Overlooked16:30 What It Actually Feels Like to Live with an Eating Disorder22:00 More Than Vanity: The Internal Battle and What Recovery Means25:00 What People with Eating Disorders Wish Caregivers Understood31:00 Never Sick Enough: The Cruelest Symptom39:00 What Caregivers Can Do: Compassion, Patience, and the Celiac ParallelSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ANAD peer mentorship program: https://anad.org/get-support/request-a-recovery-mentor/ANAD eating disorder support groups: https://anad.org/get-support/about-our-support-groups/ANAD eating disorders helpline: https://anad.org/get-support/eating-disorders-helpline/Ashley Steenhausen's caregiver resource site: mychildhasaneatingdisorder.squarespace.comGuest Bios:Liron Cohen is the Senior Program Coordinator at ANAD. Liron runs ANAD's mentorship program, as well as develops trainings for all ANAD programs. In her role, she has trained hundreds of volunteers and matched and supervised hundreds of mentors and mentees. She feels immensely grateful to get to be a part of so many healing journeys.Ashley Steenhausen is a 20-year-old college student studying Psychology and Child Development at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She grew up in Orange County, California, where she spent her time playing soccer, skiing, spending time at the beach, and doing everything with her two older sisters. Shortly after her 16th birthday, she was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and her family's world was completely turned upside down. That experience changed her in ways she is still learning from and gave her a deep compassion for those struggling with eating disorders and the caregivers supporting them. Watching her own parents feel lost with little guidance is a big part of why she cares so much about supporting families through recovery. Today, she carries that passion into her work as an ANAD peer mentor, where she uses her lived experience to support her mentee, and through speaking on the 2026 FEAST of Knowledge panel.
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  019 - You Don't Have To Do This Alone: A Conversation for Male Caregivers (with Wayne Herring and Kevin Olmsted) 02.06.2026 50m

  Episode 019Title: You Don't Have To Do This Alone: A Conversation for Male Caregivers (with Wayne Herring and Kevin Olmsted)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Kevin Olmsted and Wayne Herring, co-facilitators of Men of FEAST and fathers who each supported a daughter through an eating disorder and into recovery. Kevin, who left his career in the wine business to become a full-time caregiver during his daughter's seven-year recovery journey, and Wayne, a business and life coach who navigated a crisis hospitalization at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, share the distinct roles they each played and the emotions they carried — fear, hopelessness, failure, and grief over what their daughters lost. Together they give listeners a genuine look inside Men of FEAST, a virtual support group for dads and other male caregivers, and explain what makes it different: the permission it gives men to be present, to be honest, and to ask for help. Listeners will come away with a clear message from two men who have been through it: you don't have to face this alone, and recovery is possible.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:02 Guest Introductions: Wayne Herring and Kevin Olmsted03:31 Wayne's Journey: From Talk Therapy to CHOP08:16 Kevin's Journey: An Overnight PhD in Eating Disorders12:37 Day-to-Day Roles in Recovery18:36 Identity, Roles, and the Male Caregiver Experience27:29 What They Wish Someone Had Said Earlier30:56 Fear, Failure, and Mourning What Was Lost35:47 What Is Men of FEAST?39:23 Permission, Progress, and the Power of Peer Support42:41 Encouraging Male Caregivers: Don't Leave the Room45:26 Closing Thoughts: Hope and the Possibility of RecoverySUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Men of FEAST:https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/Kevin Olmsted's memoir, Scared Dad Feeding:https://www.scareddadfeeding.com/Guest Bios:Kevin Olmsted lives in Northern California with his wife of thirty-four years and is the father of two adult children, including a daughter now seven years into recovery from anorexia. A longtime member and co-host of Men of FEAST, Kevin left his career in the wine business seven years ago to serve as a full-time caregiver during his daughter's recovery. He is also the author of Scared Dad Feeding, a self-published memoir about his family's experience navigating his daughter's illness and recovery, and is frequently sought out by other families facing similar challenges.Wayne Herring lives on a twenty-acre farm in rural Pennsylvania with his family, where they raise pigs and cows. He is the father of five children, including a daughter who has recovered from anorexia. Wayne helped found Men of FEAST alongside other parents and now serves as a co-facilitator, drawing on both his lived experience as a caregiver and his work as a business and life coach to support other male caregivers. He is also an avid runner and lifelong learner who describes himself as grateful every day for his daughter's recovery.
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  018 - Voices of Hope: A Professional Boxer's Hidden Fight (with Danny O'Connor) 19.05.2026 1h 5m

  Episode 018 Title: Voices of Hope: A Professional Boxer's Hidden Fight (with Danny O'Connor)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Danny O'Connor, a former elite professional boxer, Olympic team member, and author of Weight Class, to hear his firsthand account of battling an eating disorder across more than two decades of competition. Danny traces the origin of his disordered behaviors from his wrestling days in high school — where no one taught him healthy weight management — through his professional boxing career, where he spent years cutting weight in secret while hiding a binge eating disorder from coaches, nutritionists, and nearly everyone around him. He talks candidly about the difference between weight cutting and an eating disorder, what it felt like to lose control of the one thing he'd always been able to discipline, and the role his wife Diane played in keeping him afloat. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how eating disorders hide in plain sight in weight class sports, why men are particularly isolated in this experience, and what caregivers can do — and be — when someone they love is struggling.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:02 Guest Introduction: Danny O'Connor 03:18 Childhood: Family, Food, and a Sandlot Life 06:02 Wrestling, Weight Cutting, and No One Telling Him Anything 13:33 Downward Spiral: Academics, Arrests, and Losing Wrestling 18:10 Finding Boxing: How a PAL Gym Changed Everything 20:57 How Weight Classes Work in Amateur and Professional Boxing 26:53 From Weight Cutting to Eating Disorder: When Control Vanished 31:08 Binge Eating and the Behavior He Couldn't Stop 36:25 Hidden in Plain Sight: 15 Nutritionists and Still Silent 41:58 Isolation, His Wife Diane, and Finding the Right Supports 49:00 Recovery Isn't Linear: Treating the Eating Disorder Like an Opponent 01:01:12 What Danny Wants Caregivers to KnowSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Danny O'Connor's book, Weight Class: https://www.amazon.com/Weight-Class-Fighters-Life-Death/dp/B0GMY44348Guest Bio: Danny O'Connor is a former elite professional boxer who grew up outside of Boston and was a member of the 2008 United States Olympic Boxing Team. As an accomplished amateur, he captured multiple national titles, including the US National Championships and the National Golden Gloves, establishing himself as one of the top fighters of his generation. O'Connor turned professional in 2008 and competed at the highest levels of the sport for more than a decade, compiling a professional record of 31 wins and holding the WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Championship. Following his professional career, O'Connor became a vocal advocate for greater awareness around weight class sports and eating disorders in men. Through his book Weight Class, he gives a voice to the many men who suffer in silence, drawing directly from his career in boxing and his firsthand experience battling an eating disorder in and out of the ring.
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  017 - Voices of Hope: The Power of Parents in Recovery (with Kinsey Dalbec) 05.05.2026 53m

  Episode 017Voices of Hope: The Power of Parents in Recovery (with Kinsey Dalbec)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Kinsey Dalbec, an eating disorder therapist at Equip who is also 13 years into her own recovery from anorexia nervosa. Kinsey shares the story of developing anorexia at 17, the crystal-ball moment in an adult treatment program that changed everything, and why her parents' refusal to back down was the single most important factor in her recovery. She and the hosts explore what leverage really means for parents of young adults, why the "once they turn 18, it's over" belief sells parents short, and how to set firm boundaries without damaging the relationship. Kinsey also describes what protecting recovery looks like more than a decade later and offers direct, practical encouragement to any caregiver feeling powerless.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:03 Guest Introduction: Kinsey Dalbec02:53 Kinsey's Story: From "Healthy Eating" to Anorexia08:20 The Turning Point: A Crystal Ball in the Adult Program10:48 What Helped Most: Parents Who Wouldn't Back Down13:17 When Help Doesn't Feel Like Help15:24 How Recovery Led to a Career in Eating Disorder Treatment20:28 The Therapist She Needed but Never Had22:46 The 18 Myth: Why Parents Still Matter for Young Adults27:15 Redefining Leverage as an Act of Love31:15 Empowering Parents to Trust Their Instincts35:51 Unconditional Love Means Getting in the Trenches39:09 Setting Boundaries Without Losing the Relationship43:51 Protecting Recovery: The McDonald's Test46:39 Spotting Sneaky Eating Disorder Behaviors49:34 Final Words: Don't Sell Yourself ShortSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST blog post:https://feast-ed.org/dear-mom-and-dad-thank-you-for-saving-my-life/FEAST Family Guide: https://feast-ed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FamilyGuide_UsingLeverage_2025_v2.2.pdfGuest Bio: Kinsey Dalbec is an eating disorder therapist currently working at Equip who has also been in her own recovery from anorexia nervosa for 13 years. After developing anorexia at 17 years old, she received Family Based Treatment, which eventually led her to full recovery. She is now a married mother of two young children and uses her life experience and clinical expertise to help patients and families navigate their own treatment and recoveries.
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  016 - Treating to the Traits: An Introduction to Temperament-Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S) (with Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck) 21.04.2026 53m

  Episode 016Title: Treating to the Traits: An Introduction to Temperament- Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S) (with Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, clinical psychologist and co-developer of Temperament Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S), to explore a model of eating disorder care built on neuroscience and personality research. Dr. Knatz Peck explains what TBT-S is, how specific temperament traits—like anxiety, perfectionism, and harm avoidance—are overrepresented in eating disorders, and why treating to the trait rather than against it changes everything. The conversation covers how parents can access TBT-S, what the five-day intensive format looks like, and why understanding the biology behind their child's behavior helps caregivers show up more effectively.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:16 Guest Introduction: Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck 01:36 What Is TBT-S and Why It Was Developed 06:00 The "S" in TBT-S: Why Words and Supports Matter 08:22 What Temperament Actually Means 11:23 Temperament Traits Across Eating Disorder Subtypes 17:27 Traits as Gifts: Treat to the Trait 25:04 Honoring Traits Without Colluding with the Eating Disorder 30:06 How Environment Interacts with Traits 32:17 Why Parents Are the Primary Agent of Change 36:14 Neurobiological Empathy: What Parents Gain from TBT-S 38:33 How Families Access TBT-S: Intensives and Provider Training 43:58 Case Study: Finding Engagement After Years of Being Stuck 49:23 Three Practical Tips for SupportsSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/ FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ FEAST Blog Post-Laura Hill PhD:https://feast-ed.org/how-temperament-influences-support-given-to-loved-ones-with-eating-disorders/Bright Mind Therapy (Dr. Knatz Peck's clinic):https://www.brightmindtherapy.com/ TBTS Institute:https://tbtstraining.comGuest Bio:Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck is a clinical psychologist and the founder and clinical director of BrightMind Therapy. She is a practitioner-scientist trained in the UCSD Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry in child and adolescent mental health and evidence-based treatments for parents and youth. In addition to her role at BrightMind Therapy, Dr. Peck is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she directs an Intensive Family Treatment (IFT) program for adolescents and young adults with eating disorders and their families. Dr. Peck is involved in clinical research underway at UCSD evaluating novel psychiatric treatments including psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and family-focused eating disorders treatment. She provides regular workshops and trainings around the world focused on parent training, family-based treatment, and eating disorders. Dr. Peck is passionate about high-impact treatments and working with youth, with a particular focus on adolescents. She is dedicated to ensuring that youth feel connected and safe while receiving high quality treatments that are rooted in science, adapted for age, family-involved, and last but not least, creative and fun! Outside of her professional life, she enjoys being in nature, surfing, yoga, hiking, writing, and spending time with her young daughter and husband. Born and raised throughout Central and South America to American parents, Dr. Peck identifies as “third-culture” which she credits for the value she places on openness, flexibility, and appreciation for diversity of opinion.
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  015 - Facing the Toughest Moments in Eating Disorder Caregiving (with Dr. Erin Parks) 07.04.2026 57m

  Episode 015Title: Facing the Toughest Moments in Eating Disorder Caregiving (with Dr. Erin Parks)In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Dr. Erin Parks, clinical psychologist and co-founder of Equip, to tackle the situations caregivers dread most: mealtime meltdowns, a child who seems to have stopped caring about everything, and the terrifying reality of self-harm and suicidality. Dr. Parks explains the neurobiology behind why consequences and rewards work differently in the eating disorder brain, and shares a vivid real-world example of how one family used that understanding to break through a months-long standoff. She also offers direct, compassionate guidance on how to talk openly about self-harm, when to involve emergency services, and how to protect your child while accepting the limits of your own control. Listeners will come away with practical tools for the hardest moments of caregiving and a reminder that imperfect support is still meaningful support.00:00 Introduction, Disclaimer, and Content Warning01:02 Guest Introduction: Dr. Erin Parks04:40 When Meals Go Wrong: What to Do After You Snap08:40 De-escalating in the Moment11:35 Repairing After a Blow-Up14:35 What Distress Tolerance Actually Means23:48 Neurobiology 101: How the Eating Disorder Brain Processes Consequences and Rewards30:19 The Shake Story: Finding the Key That Motivates Your Child34:56 When Your Child Feels Nothing: Depression and Eating Disorders39:22 Self-Harm and Suicidality: How to Keep the Conversation Open47:53 Safety Planning and Imminent Risk52:41 One Practical Tip: Choose OneSUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST programs and services:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST webinar - How to Talk to Your Child When ED Has You Walking on Eggshells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6ibx-8YhWEBrainstorms podcast episode:https://brainstormsorg.wordpress.com/2016/10/29/episode-8-eating-disorder-interview-with-dr-erin-parks/Guest Bio:Dr. Erin Parks is a clinical psychologist and researcher who co-founded Equip in 2019. Equip is now the largest virtual eating disorder treatment program in the United States. As Chief Clinical Officer, she leads the clinical and research efforts that keep Equip's outcomes best in class. Before Equip, Dr. Parks was on the faculty at UC San Diego, where she treated patients across all levels of care for eating disorders. She earned her PhD from UC San Diego and completed her undergraduate work at Northwestern University.
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  014 - Voices of Hope: Untangling OCD and Anorexia (with Kyle King) 18.03.2026 52m

  Episode 014Title: Voices of Hope: Untangling OCD and Anorexia (with Kyle King)This episode is part of our Voices of Hope series. In these conversations, you'll hear from individuals who have walked through an eating disorder and come out on the other side. Our intention is to highlight that recovery is possible, relationships can survive, and even during the most challenging moments, hope is real.In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Kyle King, a second-year medical student at Yale and mental health advocate with lived experience of both OCD and anorexia nervosa. Kyle shares his journey from an OCD diagnosis at 12 to an eating disorder at 17, the ways anorexia drove him to lie to the people closest to him, what it was like to relapse in college and hide it from his parents, and how family-based treatment ultimately saved his life. He also offers a rare inside look at how OCD and eating disorders interact, why being male shaped his experience, and why he now dedicates his advocacy work to supporting caregivers.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:22 Guest Introduction: Kyle King02:34 Kyle's Lived Experience: From OCD to Anorexia05:47 When ERP Didn't Work: The Limits of OCD-Only Treatment07:15 Family-Based Treatment and Starting to Recover08:06 The Lying Piece: What Parents Need to Know09:30 Relapse in College: Fabricating Weights and Hiding13:13 How Being Male Impacted the Eating Disorder Experience17:09 Lying to Therapists and the Role of Pride19:31 Why Kyle Fabricated His Weight: It Wasn't for Himself21:05 How OCD and an Eating Disorder Interact24:26 Should OCD and Eating Disorders Be Classified Differently?28:06 Temperament, Brain Circuitry, and Environment29:15 What Parents Did That Helped Most32:40 How an Eating Disorder Affects the Whole Family37:02 OCD Unfiltered: A Program Built for Parents41:08 Why Kyle Shifted His Focus to Caregivers44:06 The Power of Parental Vulnerability46:51 From Lived Experience to Psychiatry49:41 Hopes for the Future of Eating Disorder TreatmentSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Guest Bio:Kyle King is a second-year medical student at Yale School of Medicine. More central to his identity, however, Kyle is a mental health advocate with lived experience of OCD and anorexia nervosa. He serves as a National Advocate with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), is the founder and co-leader of the IOCDF's Young Adult Special Interest Group, and hosts the IOCDF Research Roundtable. In addition, Kyle works as a research assistant in the Yale OCD Clinic and is a frequent speaker at OCD conferences across the country. His primary interests include investigating novel treatments for psychiatric conditions, addressing inequities in access to mental health care, and exploring the complex overlaps between OCD and related conditions such as eating disorders.
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  013 - Voices of Hope: A Mother and Daughter Reflect on Their Eating Disorder Journey (with Alexa Cohen) 05.03.2026 50m

  Episode 013Title: Voices of Hope: A Mother and Daughter Reflect on Their Eating Disorder Journey (with Alexa Cohen)This episode is part of our Voices of Hope series. In these conversations, you’ll hear from individuals who have walked through an eating disorder and come out on the other side. Our intention is to highlight that recovery is possible, relationships can survive, and even during the most challenging moments, hope is real. In this episode, Laura Cohen sits down with her daughter, Alexa Cohen, to talk openly about Alexa's eating disorder diagnosis at 16, the hard road through family-based treatment and higher levels of care, and what their relationship looks like on the other side. Alexa, now 22 and working in inpatient eating disorder care, shares her perspective from both sides of recovery.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:02 Guest Introduction: Alexa Cohen04:06 Life Before the Diagnosis: Ages 13–1606:49 The Role of Lockdown, Social Media, and the ED Voice10:02 How Laura First Learned Something Was Wrong11:44 Starting FBT: Refeeding at Home During COVID16:17 What FBT Felt Like from Alexa's Perspective19:11 Why Giving In Was Never an Option20:44 Finding the Right Treatment Team (and How Long It Took)25:26 Deciding to Pursue a Higher Level of Care32:00 College, Contracts, and Choosing Recovery37:18 Alexa's Work in Eating Disorder Care Today40:12 Advice for Caregivers Whose Kids Are in Treatment45:49 What Alexa Would Tell Her 13-Year-Old Self47:26 Advice to Caregivers: It Won't Ruin the RelationshipSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/
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  012 - What Caregivers Need to Know About ARFID (with Nathalia Trees) 25.02.2026 43m

  In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen sit down with Nathalia Trees, a certified eating disorder Registered Dietitian, to unpack ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a diagnosis that often gets mistaken for simple picky eating. Nathalia breaks down the three presentations of ARFID, explains why a malnourished brain makes food trials nearly impossible without nutritional rehabilitation first, and offers a realistic picture of what success actually looks like in treatment. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of when to raise a red flag with their pediatrician, who should be on their child's treatment team, and how to manage the anxiety and fatigue that come with supporting a loved one through recovery.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:11 Guest Introduction: Nathalia Trees03:20 What Is ARFID? The Three Presentations05:20 How ARFID Differs from Anorexia, Bulimia, and Anxiety Disorders07:30 Motivation vs. Anxiety in ARFID Treatment09:10 Picky Eating vs. ARFID: Where's the Line?11:20 First Steps for Caregivers: Advocating with Your Pediatrician15:06 What Does ARFID Treatment Look Like?16:20 Why Nutrition Rehabilitation Comes Before Food Trials18:15 Weight Gain Goals and Growth Curve Realities19:55 The Malnourished Brain: Why Food Trials Can't Come First23:26 What Does Success Actually Look Like?25:45 Tracking Progress and Celebrating Small Wins26:00 Common Setbacks: Travel, Illness, and Food Fatigue29:40 Building Your Treatment Team: Who Does What33:15 Caregiver Anxiety and Distress Tolerance at the Table36:01 Is There a Timeline for ARFID Recovery?38:08 When to Consider a Higher Level of CareSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST Webinar - Feeding Without Fear: Navigating Nutrition in ARFIDFeeding Without Fear: Navigating Nutrition in ARFID - YouTubeFEAST Family Guide - Beyond Picky Eating: Strategies for Navigating ARFID and Supporting Your Loved One (with Nathalia Trees)https://feast-ed.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FamilyGuide_BeyondPickyEating_2026_v1.2.pdfGuest Bio:Nathalia Trees is a certified eating disorder Registered Dietitian and consultant specializing in the treatment of adults and adolescents with eating disorders. She was granted a Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado and a Master of Science in clinical nutrition from Tufts University. She completed her dietetics internship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA.Nathalia’s experience spans over 13 years in medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, public speaking, and eating disorder related research. Her passion is advocacy, training, and education for current and future dietitians and helping individuals rebuild their relationship with food. Nathalia’s approach focuses on non-diet centered, weight inclusive, and compassionate care. Nathalia’s leadership style focuses on community, connection, and striving for clinical excellence in the field of eating disorders.
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  011 - Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports Recovery 04.02.2026 48m

  Episode 011Title: Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports RecoveryIn this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen dive into the vital but often overlooked topic of caregiver alignment. They discuss how eating disorders can exploit "cracks" in relationships and the profound impact—both positive and negative—that caregiver unity has on a child’s recovery trajectory. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing disagreements, setting non-negotiable boundaries, and balancing the heavy lifting of treatment with the need to protect their own relationships.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer01:02 Defining Caregiver Alignment03:09 Why Alignment is Critical for Recovery07:46 The Consequences of Misalignment09:10 Common Conflict Areas: Meals, Consequences, and Parenting Styles11:02 Balancing the Workload: Resentment vs. Appreciating Strengths16:53 External Alignment: Grandparents, Teachers, and Coaches20:25 Navigating Co-Parenting and Divorce24:59 Practical Strategies: Education and the Family Recovery Plan30:34 Managing Disagreements in Front of Your Loved One40:03 The Power of the 10-Minute Check-In42:16 Trusting Yourself When Alignment Isn’t PossibleSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/The Other Side of the Plate podcast episode:The Importance of Male Caregivers in ED Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)https://player.captivate.fm/episode/19f1d2bb-799e-4111-823d-e0db02f3e6c5(FEAST Blog Post-Abby Sarrett-Cooper) Parental Alignment in FBT(FEAST Blog Post-Judy Krasna) Parenting and Partnership(FEAST Blog Post-Sarah) Not on Board But Weathering the Same StormHost BiosJenni Gaines and Laura Cohen are caregivers with lived experience who have supported their loved ones through eating disorder treatment. Together, they serve the FEAST community by sharing personal insights and connecting parents with the professional resources necessary to navigate recovery.
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  010 - A Personal Recovery Journey: Insights for Caregivers (with Hannah Hickinbotham) 21.01.2026 58m

  Episode 010A Personal Recovery Journey: Insights for Caregivers (with Hannah Hickinbotham)In this episode, Jenni speaks with Hannah Hickenbotham, founder of the UK-based "Full of Beans" podcast about eating disorder awareness. Hannah shares her personal journey through atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia, and the late ADHD diagnosis (after 14 years of struggling) that finally unlocked her path to recovery. This conversation offers caregivers rare insight into what recovery looks like from the inside: why resistance happens, what support actually helps, and how to find "glimmers" of hope even in the darkest moments.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast06:19 What Caregivers Can Learn from Lived Experience10:03 Hannah's Journey: Diet Culture and Feeling Different15:53 Atypical Anorexia: The Pain of "Not Quite There"17:22 Eating Disorders as Emotional Regulation26:33 Advice for Parents: What Helped and What Didn't34:21 Understanding Resistance: "Facing Your Worst Nightmare"44:46 Thanking and Releasing the Eating Disorder (EMDR)47:32 Supporters Who Made a Difference54:41 Finding Daily Glimmers: Advice for Struggling FamiliesSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Hannah’s website:https://www.wearefullofbeans.com/Listen to Hannah’s podcast on your favorite app: The Full of Beans PodcastGuest BioHannah Hickinbotham is the founder of Full of Beans, an eating disorder awareness podcast all about reducing stigma and amplifying lived experience. Through inspiring conversations with people with lived experience of an eating disorder, alongside clinicians and researchers, Hannah creates a space where listeners can feel understood, validated, and a little less alone.Hannah has lived experience of atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia, and ADHD, and found her path to recovery after finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis 14 years later. Passionate about widening the conversation beyond stereotypes, she reminds people that recovery is possible, even when it doesn’t look how you expected.
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  009 - Navigating Family Based Treatment (with Dr. Amy Boyers) 07.01.2026 59m

  Episode 009Navigating Family Based Treatment (with Dr. Amy Boyers)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura and Jenni welcome Dr. Amy Boyers, co-founder and president of Galen Hope and a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience treating eating disorders. Laura and Amy's friendship stretches back to childhood in Miami, making for a warm and candid conversation about family-based treatment (FBT). Dr. Boyers traces the evolution of eating disorder treatment from the "parentectomy" era of the eighties and nineties through the emergence of FBT, explaining the three phases of the manualized protocol while advocating for what she calls "FBT with a twist": adding meal support coaches, dietitians, respite from grandparents, and regular therapy sessions for burnt-out caregivers. She addresses common reasons families stall (inconsistent monitoring, "clean eating" that can't achieve caloric density, reluctance to enforce meaningful consequences) and offers a memorable reframe: when one part of a family system changes, the other parts engage in "change back behaviors" to restore the status quo. Dr. Boyers emphasizes that FBT is only the "gold standard" if it works for your family, and encourages parents to develop a Plan B before they need it.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 Meet Dr. Amy Boyers: From Childhood Friends to Eating Disorder Expert06:42 What Is FBT? From Maudsley to Lock and Le Grange13:25 When FBT Isn't the Right Fit: Recognizing Family Dynamics21:52 Common Reasons Families Stall: "Change Back Behaviors"27:07 Caloric Density and the "Two Entire Birds" Problem29:25 Consequences That Signal Commitment37:00 FBT with a Twist: Adding Coaches, Dietitians, and Therapy45:02 When to Transition Away from FBT51:35 The Future of FBT and Treatment53:57 Advice for Families Starting Their FBT JourneySUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website:https://feast-ed.org/Link from Dr. Amy Boyers:https://www.galenhope.com/eating-disorders/10-foods-for-anorexia-refeeding/FEAST flyer:https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/(FEAST webinar August 2025)When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment (FEAST webinar slides August 2025)When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment(FEAST Webinar-July 2024)How We Developed FBT and Why it Works(FEAST webinar December 2025)Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in Recovery(FEAST webinar slides December 2025)Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in RecoveryTreating Eating Disorders - F.E.A.S.T.Anorexia Weight Gain: 13 Foods For Anorexia RefeedingGuest BioDr. Amy Boyers is the co-founder and president of Galen Hope, which is a physician-led program providing eating disorder and mental health treatment for adolescents and adults across a wide range of diagnoses. Galen Hope emphasizes community integration, family support, and fostering a sense of connection and belonging as essential to healing.She has been in private practice in Miami since 2001, where she provides therapy to adolescents and adults, with a focus on women’s health, eating disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and behavioral medicine.After graduating with honors from the University of Pennsylvania, she was awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Defense psychological research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she completed her masters and doctoral degrees.Dr. Boyers is adjunct faculty at the University of Miami Counseling Center and has spoken locally and nationally on the topics of eating disorders, stress, trauma, and adolescent development. She has also co-authored several articles in professional journals. She was the founding president of the Miami Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) and served on the national board.
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  008 - Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici) 17.12.2025 52m

  Episode 008Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a clinical psychologist and globally respected expert on eating disorders and DBT. Dr. Federici challenges the common assumption that body image naturally improves after weight restoration, explaining that for many people, body disturbance isn't a "lag" but a core neurobiological feature of eating disorders rooted in sensory and perceptual differences. The conversation explores the distinction between body dysmorphia and negative body image, the power of validation as a "safety signal," and practical communication strategies for caregivers—including Dr. Federici's four-step framework: validate what makes sense, reinforce adaptive behavior, invite rather than impose help, and offer sensory-based coping tools. Drawing parallels to how clinicians treat psychosis and dementia, Dr. Federici makes a compelling case for believing patients' lived experiences rather than dismissing them. This episode offers caregivers both scientific grounding and practical hope for supporting loved ones through the often-misunderstood struggles of living in their "earth suit."00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:02 Meet Dr. Anita Federici: 25 Years in the Eating Disorders Field 06:30 The Body Image "Lag": Why It May Not Be a Lag at All 14:36 Validation as a Safety Signal 17:39 Body Dysmorphia vs. Negative Body Image: The "Earth Suit" 24:27 Normal Body Dissatisfaction vs. Warning Signs 30:35 What to Say: The "You Make Sense" Conversation 41:33 Hair on Fire: Sensory Tools During Acute Treatment 44:47 Lessons from Treating Psychosis and Dementia 50:01 A Message of Hope: Start Where You AreSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.Workshop 8 (Sunday – December 21, 2025)What To Say When You Don’t Know What To SayLed by Dr. Anita FedericiBio:Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, emotion regulation challenges, and trauma. A sought-after international trainer, consultant, and researcher, she is also co-author of Treating Eating Disorders with DBT: The MED-DBT Protocol (Guilford Press, 2024) https://www.guilford.com/books/Treating-Eating-Disorders-with-DBT/Federici-Wisniewski/9781462558483?srsltid=AfmBOooqJiiIH63_128Czz7N-n3W5tZvzP_8I5o5mOPsw0JhVuQN5PAZ
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  007 - The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn) 03.12.2025 56m

  Episode 007The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the often overlooked role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery with special guest Kevin Dunn. Kevin, a seasoned volunteer and the Director of Family Mentorship at Equip, shares insights from his eight-year journey supporting his daughter through an eating disorder. The conversation covers the emotional challenges men face, the importance of humility, validation, distress tolerance, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kevin emphasizes the need for male caregivers to be present, practice active listening, and collaborate openly with other caregivers. This episode aims to shed light on how inclusive caregiving can enhance recovery outcomes and the unique strengths men bring to the table.00:00  Introduction to the Podcast01:02  Meet Kevin Dunn: From Caregiver to Men of FEAST Founder04:01  Kevin's Personal Story: A Daughter's Diagnosis at Age 810:55  The Birth of Men of FEAST14:56  Creating a Safe Space for Male Caregivers18:16  Why Male Voices Matter in Recovery22:26  Getting Aligned as a Team: "Same Bookstore, Not Same Page"27:29  Essential Skills: Humility, Acceptance, and Validation42:58  Baby Steps for Dads: Be Present, Be Available, Listen51:18  Silver Linings and a Message of HopeSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/Men of FEAST: https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/
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  006 - Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery 19.11.2025 34m

  Episode 006Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder RecoveryIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery.Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home. 00:00  Introduction to the Podcast01:14  The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder04:13  Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently05:01  Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses08:52  Navigating Challenging Family Conversations15:30  Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans"19:35  Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions25:45  Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary30:12  Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible33:58  Closing and Preview of Next EpisodeSUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Resources:Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcasthttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder.FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.  There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series: Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UKLed by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive DirectorOther resources:Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinarThe Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna
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  005 - The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy Krasna 05.11.2025 36m

  Episode 005The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy KrasnaIn this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura sit down with a very special guest: Judy Krasna, the Executive Director of FEAST. Judy shares her powerful personal journey from finding FEAST as a parent in Israel to leading FEAST as a global organization. She discusses the core mission of FEAST—parents helping parents—and what makes its community so unique. The episode covers the vital role of volunteers, key resources for new families like 'FEAST 30 Days' and the 'Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and a message of hope that recovery is possible and parents are not to blame.00:10  Introduction to the Podcast 01:02  Welcoming Judy Krasna, Executive Director of FEAST 01:41  Judy's Personal Journey: From Parent to Executive Director 03:42  The Mission and Values of FEAST: Parents Helping Parents 05:23  What Makes the FEAST Community Special? 07:05  Clarifying Misconceptions about FEAST: All Ages and Treatment Types 08:53  The Heart and Soul of FEAST: The Volunteers 11:10  Where to Start: FEAST 30 Days & The Caregiver Skills Toolkit 15:07  Judy's Biggest Hope for Families: Feeling Less Alone 16:44  Key Advice for New Parents: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 19:13  Common Threads: The Universal Caregiver Experience 22:34  The Reality of Caregiver Self-Care 25:25  The Future of FEAST: Opportunities and Challenges 28:31  How Listeners Can Support FEAST's Mission 30:44  A Personal Story Illustrating the Heart of the Community 33:35  Final Message: Hope, Recovery, and You Are Not to Blame 35:53  Conclusion and How to Get InvolvedBIO - JUDY KRASNAJudy Krasna has been involved in the eating disorders space as a parent advocate and an expert by experience for over 15 years. She was an active volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a staunch advocate for incorporating lived experience into research and treatment. After serving on the F.E.A.S.T. Board of Directors and taking on multiple volunteer roles within the organization, Judy stepped into the position of F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director in early 2021. Judy is passionate about helping families of people with eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life after a fierce and prolonged battle with anorexia.SUPPORT & RESOURCES- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/Resources:FEAST 30 Days  FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit Around the Dinner Table ForumAround the Dinner Table-Facebook groupBecome a Parent Support Volunteer at F.E.A.S.T.Donate to F.E.A.S.T.