Navigating Menopause and Cultivating Positive Body Image with Sophie Temple
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Sophie Temple. Sophie is a final-year Doctoral Researcher specialising in eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image (including body dissatisfaction and body appreciation) during the menopausal transition. My research focuses on how menopausal quality of life impacts these factors, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.We discuss:Sophie PhD research on body image, disordered eating, and menopause.The surprising gap in eating disorder research in midlife.How menopause impacts women’s confidence, identity at work and hormones.Body dissatisfaction, weight gain and the role of HRT and diet culture. How to develop stronger body appreciation through movement and community.Navigating menopause as a chance to reclaim autonomy and joy.The impact of growing up with diet culture in previous generations.Sophie's vision for more accessible, positive menopause support.How self-awareness, connection, and authenticity can buffer difficult transitions.Timestamps:⏱️ [03:20] Exploring Why Menopause is Under-Researched⏱️ [06:00] The impact of hormones, hot flushes & workplace stigma ⏱️ [09:00] The link between hormones and disordered eating ⏱️ [12:00] The role of hormones in body shape change ⏱️ [14:45] The impact of diet culture and fear of weight gain in menopause ⏱️ [19:00] The benefits of body appreciation in menopause ⏱️ [23:40] The power of redefining your identity during menopause ⏱️ [26:00] The development of body image perspectives between generations ⏱️ [33:10] Advice for women approaching menopause Trigger Warning: This episode discusses disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction and menopausal symptoms. Resources: First Steps EDConnect with Us:🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here💬 Connect with Sophie on LinkedIn here ✍🏻 Read our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!✨ Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need it! ✨
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45:36
Unveiling the Hidden Long-Term Impacts of Eating Disorders in Midlife with Dr Jessica Murphy
In this week’s episode of Full of Beans, Hannah is joined by Jessica Murphy, a writer, yoga practitioner, and university lecturer, who shares her story of living with anorexia and bulimia for nearly 30 years.From teenage onset to navigating adult eating disorders, Jessica reflects on the long-term impact of disordered eating, her recovery journey, and what it means to reclaim joy, connection, and identity.This week, we discuss:How eating disorders often go unnoticed in adults and why “looking healthy” doesn’t mean being well.The impact of long-term behaviours, relapses, and the internal struggle that continues even in a “recovered” body.Why Jessica doesn’t use the word “recovered” and how recovery is a daily choice, not a destination.The things we miss when engrossed in an eating disorder and the impact it has on those around us.Navigating delayed puberty, body changes, and reclaiming her identity as a woman in later life.Why “one day at a time” matters, and how building new coping tools is key to healing.Timestamps:⏱️ 03:15 – The onset of anorexia and bulimia during Jessica's teens⏱️ 07:50 – Adult eating disorders & invisibility ⏱️ 14:10 – Living with bulimia and anorexia for decades ⏱️ 22:45 – What recovery looks like for Jessica Recovery isn’t linear ⏱️ 26:20 – Grief and impact of an eating disorder on friendships, opportunities, and milestones ⏱️ 30:30 – Discovering womanhood after an ED⏱️ 36:00 – Advice for long-term recovery Trigger Warning: This episode discusses eating disorder behaviours, hospitalisation, and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care.Resources: First Steps EDConnect with Us:🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here💬 Connect with Jessica on Instagram (@djcats).✍🏻 Read our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!✨ Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need it! ✨
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36:47
Supporting Disordered Eating & RED-S in Athletes with Aidan Custy
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Aidan Custy, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist with a background in CAMHS eating disorders. Aidan combines his expertise in eating disorder recovery and sports performance to support athletes in fueling their bodies without falling into restrictive patterns.Key Takeaways:The pressures on athletes to look or perform a certain way.How disordered eating can develop within sports culture.What Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is and its impact.Signs & symptoms of under-fueling, including changes in performance, menstrual cycles, and immunity.The pyramid of things worth worrying about when it comes to nutrition.The importance of finding balance between optimal performance and mental wellbeing.Challenging myths around body shape, food, and athletic success.Timestamps:[05:15] Why athletes are at higher risk of disordered eating and the pressures they face.[14:00] Understanding RED-S: What it is, who it affects, and how it shows up in athletes.[22:50] Common signs of under-fueling and its impact on hormones, bone density, and performance.[31:40] The pyramid of sports nutrition: what matters most for fueling.[39:20] Why overtraining and under-fueling are often normalised in sports culture.[44:00] How eating enough is more important than perfect nutrition for performance.[50:00] The social impact of sports culture and detaching identity from training.TW: This episode discusses binge discusses eating disorders, disordered eating in athletes, and body image challenges. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a trusted professional or helpline.Connect with Aidan: LinkedIn | Instagram | WebsiteNeed Support? If you relate to some of the symptoms Aidan mentioned and want to know what to do next, we recommend reaching out to your GP or connecting with eating disorder dietitians such as Aidan, Renee McGregor or Elle Kelly for further support.Connect with Us:🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here✍🏻 Read our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!✨ Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need it! ✨
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47:22
BED, ADHD, Substance Use & Recovery From A Peer Support Perspective with William (DJ) Dwyer-Joyce
In this powerful and insightful episode, I sit down with DJ, a peer support worker with lived experience of binge eating disorder (BED), ADHD, and addiction. Now in recovery and sober for five years, DJ shares his journey through mental distress, addiction, and ultimately finding purpose in supporting others. We explore the complexities of diagnoses, the overlap between ADHD and addiction, and the invaluable role of peer support in eating disorder treatment.Key Takeaways:The intersection between ADHD, addiction, and binge eating disorder.How peer support bridges the gap between patients and clinicians.The importance of challenging internalized weight stigma in recovery.The role of community and connection in sustainable healing.Why recovery isn’t about perfection but about building a fulfilling life.Timestamps:[01:42] – DJ’s background and role as a peer support worker[03:35] – Understanding peer support and its role in eating disorder recovery[08:04] – DJ’s lived experience with BED and ADHD[14:06] – The pros and cons of diagnoses and their impact on identity[21:18] – ADHD, impulse control, and the connection to addiction[25:45] – DJ’s path to sobriety and overcoming addiction[30:04] – Navigating body image challenges in recovery[35:50] – The role of peer support in multidisciplinary treatment teams[40:30] – How lived experience enhances eating disorder treatment[44:10] – Advice for integrating peer support into healthcare settingsConnect with DJ: Lois Bridges Eating Disorder Centre (Dublin) (@loisbridgesdublin)TW: This episode discusses binge eating disorder, ADHD, substance use and other mental health issues. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a trusted professional or helpline.Connect with Us:🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here✍🏻 Read our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!✨ Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might need it! ✨
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42:34
Understanding ARFID: Explained by an Eating Disorder Dietitian with Paola Falcoski
In this week's episode, Han is joined by Paola Falkoski, an advanced specialist eating disorder dietitian and somatic experience therapist. Paola specialises in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and provides a clinician’s perspective on what ARFID is, how it differs from other eating disorders, and the best approaches for treatment. Together, Han and Paola explore common misunderstandings, the connection between ARFID and autism, and how clinicians and families can support individuals with ARFID effectively.Key Topics Discussed:Understanding ARFID, how it differs from picky eating and why it is a serious eating disorder.How dietitians help individuals with ARFID manage nutritional deficiencies and expand food choices.Breaking down myths, misconceptions and stigmas about ARFID and why awareness is essential.Exploring the overlap and clarifying why not all individuals with ARFID are autistic.The importance of tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all method.=Addressing what progress and success mean for someone with ARFID.Timestamps:[06:31] - What ARFID is and how it differs from picky eating[12:45] - The role of a dietitian in ARFID treatment[17:20] - Common misconceptions and stigma around ARFID[23:10] - The connection between ARFID and autism[30:45] - Why treatment should be individualized and adapted[40:10] - What recovery from ARFID looks like[46:00] - Where to find Paola online and closing thoughtsConnect with Paola by visiting her website.Resources & Links:ARFID Awareness UKBEATBe Body PositiveNorth Cumbria ARFID Patient and Carer ResourceBritish Dietetic Association ARFID Position StatementTW:This episode discusses eating disorders, ARFID, and food-related anxieties. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a trusted professional or helpline.Connect with Us:🎙️ Subscribe to the Full of Beans Podcast here📲 Follow Full of Beans on Instagram here✍🏻 Read our latest blog hereThank you for listening and being part of this important conversation!
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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