The Devastating Impact of T1DE: Megan’s Story and the Fight for Change with Lesley and Neal Davison
In this deeply moving episode, Han is joined by Lesley and Neal Davison. In 2017, their 27-year-old daughter, Megan, took her own life as a result of a long struggle with T1DE, a deadly combination of food and insulin restriction.Since her death, Lesley and Neal have campaigned on all platforms to raise awareness of this condition and successfully carried out a legal challenge to the outcome of her original inquest.This episode highlights the urgent need for integrated care and the systemic reforms they’re now fighting for.Key Takeaways:What is T1DE (type 1 diabetes with disordered eating), and why is it often misunderstood?Megan’s lived experience: from early signs to repeated hospital admissionsHow the lack of joined-up care between diabetes and ED services became fatalThe legal inquest that exposed failures, and the changes they’re advocating forHow to support those at risk, as a professional or loved oneTimestamps:08:30 – Megan’s T1D diagnosis & early challenges16:10 – Onset of disordered eating & insulin restriction25:00 – Hospitalisation, distress & gaps in care34:15 – The inquest and campaigning for change42:00 – Supporting others: advice for parents and clinicians52:40 – What integrated care should look likeTrigger Warning:This episode includes discussion of suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and the loss of a loved one.Resources:The Megan Sugar Davison StoryInquest coverage in the BBCBEAT Eating Disorders – Diabulimia InfoDiabetes UK – Mental Health SupportConnect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛
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48:09
The Comfort Blanket of Control: Neurodivergence & Eating Disorders with Rose
In this episode of the Full of Beans Podcast, Han is joined by Rose, who shares her deeply personal story of struggling with an eating disorder while living with undiagnosed autism and ADHD.Key Takeaways:How masking neurodivergent traits can contribute to emotional distressThe role of eating disorders as a “comfort blanket” and coping strategyChallenges with misdiagnosis, especially around Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Autism and ADHD in womenWhy many neurodivergent individuals are dismissed in healthcare settingsThe power of finding safe, affirming relationshipsPractical advice for clinicians supporting neurodivergent individualsTimestamps: 01:50 – How autism and ADHD shaped Rose's eating disorder experience 08:00 – The emotional regulation of restriction 14:00 – School trauma and perfectionism 21:00 – Misunderstandings in the healthcare system 30:00 – Navigating friendships post-diagnosis 36:00 – Rose's message for healthcare professionals⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of eating disorders, self-harm, and mental health trauma.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereRead our latest blog hereFurther Resources: First Steps EDThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛
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39:34
Dietetics Beyond the Meal Plan: A Trauma-Informed Nutritional Approach to Eating Disorder Recovery & Gut Health with Sarah Elder
In this episode of the Full of Beans Podcast, Han is joined by Sarah Elder, a registered eating disorder dietitian and advanced clinical practitioner, to explore the real role of dietitians in eating disorder recovery.Together, we unpack what it means to offer trauma-informed, compassionate, and culturally appropriate nutritional care, far beyond simply providing meal plans. Sarah also shares her mission to make ED nutrition education more accessible and effective for all professionals working in the field.Key Takeaways:Why eating disorder dietitians do so much more than write meal plansThe difference between nutrition education and psychoeducationWhat trauma-informed nutritional care looks like in practiceThe impact of GI issues in recovery and how dietitians can helpWhy collaborative, values-based support is essential for long-term healingThe importance of cultural and personal context in meal planningWhy Sarah believes “real food” must reflect real people’s livesTimestamps:04:30 – Why trauma-informed, accessible ED nutrition training matters 08:00 – Psychoeducation vs. nutrition education in recovery 13:00 – GI issues during recovery & how to approach them 16:45 – What trauma-informed care means in practice 23:40 – Challenges of restrictive diets & misunderstood advice 27:00 – Collaborating with therapy & OT teams in care 29:00 – Dismantling the fear of seeing a dietitian 32:10 – Standard meal plans vs. individualised support 36:30 – Cultural food practices and integration in recovery Trigger warning: This episode discusses eating disorders and gastrointestinal distress.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereConnect with Sarah:Sarah's Website Sarah's Instagram (@saraheldernutrition)Read our latest blog hereFurther Resources: First Steps EDThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛
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41:51
From Silent Struggles with Bulimia to Supporting Others with Daniel Magson
In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Daniel Magson, CEO of First Steps ED. Daniel shares his lived experience with bulimia, including how he was dismissed by a GP at 17, told that “boys don’t get eating disorders,” and left to struggle in silence.Years later, Daniel is using his experience to lead national change, proving how lived experience can shape more compassionate, accessible, and person-led support.What we cover:Bulimia stigma and being invalidated by doctorsLiving in secrecy and the impact of shameSexuality and its intersection with eating disorder experiencesInner child work and the power of therapy in healingDaniel’s role as CEO and the mission of First Steps EDThe importance of storytelling and peer-led supportTimestamps:05:30 – Living with bulimia as a teenage boy12:00 – Being dismissed by a GP and hiding in secrecy20:00 – Shame, identity, and the impact of silence30:00 – Recovery, therapy, and connecting with his inner child34:00 – First Steps ED and why lived experience mattersTrigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of bulimia, healthcare dismissal, and identity-related stigma. Please listen with care.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereConnect with Daniel:First Steps ED WebsiteFirst Steps ED InstagramDaniel's LinkedinRead our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛
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Exploring Addiction & Eating Disorder Stigma & Support with James Hitchen
This week on the Full of Beans podcast, I’m joined by James Hitchin, therapist and founder of the Wellbeing and Recovery Collective, for an open and grounding conversation about navigating addiction, eating disorder recovery, and the stigma that so often surrounds both.James shares his lived experience with disordered eating and substance use—and how his journey through recovery shaped his work supporting others. Together, we explore how shame, silence, and societal expectations can create barriers to seeking help, especially when experiences don’t fit the stereotypes.This episode was recorded during Men’s Mental Health Week, but the conversation is relevant all year round.Key Takeaways:James' personal experience of addiction, binge eating disorder and excessive exerciseThe similarities and differences between addiction and eating disorders, and how they can intertwineThe impact of stigma, silence & societal expectations on menThe role of support groups in recoveryThe role of masculinity and gym culture in disordered eatingHow James uses his lived experience to support others in recoveryWhy inclusivity and accessibility matter in recovery spacesTimestamps:06:00 – James’ journey through addiction and ED recovery12:00 – Masculinity, stigma & opening up20:00 – Gym culture, control & body image27:00 – Lived experience in therapy workTrigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of eating disorders, addiction, and mental health challenges. Please listen with care.Connect with Us:Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast hereFollow Full of Beans on Instagram hereConnect with Sarah:The Wellbeing and Recovery Collective WebsiteThe Wellbeing and Recovery Collective Instagram (@twrcollective)James' LinkedinRead our latest blog hereFurther Resources: First Steps EDThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit!Sending positive beans your way, Han 💛
Full of Beans Podcast: Sharing the Unheard Voices in Eating DisordersEating disorders are complex, often misunderstood, and wrapped in layers of stigma. That’s why Full of Beans is here - to open up the conversation and foster understanding through real, raw, and research-backed discussions.Hosted by Han, founder of Full of Beans and passionate mental health advocate, this podcast explores eating disorders through the lens of lived experience, clinical expertise, and the latest research. Each week, Han sits down with guests, including individuals with firsthand experiences, clinicians, researchers, and charities, who all share one goal: to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and support those affected by eating disorders.With a mix of heartfelt stories and professional insights, Full of Beans is a space for education, advocacy, and connection. Whether you're navigating your own eating disorder journey, supporting a loved one, or working in the mental health field, this podcast is here to provide knowledge, compassion, and hope.Join us in creating a community where eating disorders are understood, and no one feels alone in their struggles.(Please note: This podcast is for awareness and education purposes and is not a substitute for professional therapeutic support.)
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