From Shadow to Substance: Clare Loewenthal on Transcending Anorexia

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts speaks with Clare Loewenthal, an accomplished author, editor, and former magazine publisher. Clare shares her inspiring journey from battling anorexia nervosa in her late teens to achieving personal and professional success. She discusses the brutal medical treatments she underwent, the social isolation she experienced, and the stigmas attached to eating disorders. Clare emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex nature of eating disorders, separating the illness from the individual, and focusing on holistic and integrative treatments. She advocates for the power of resilience, human connection, and creativity in her path to recovery, and highlights the need to address the root causes of eating disorders. Clare also talks about her book 'Substance From the Shadow' and its second edition, which aims to provide hope and insight for those struggling with similar challenges.Clare's Bio and Contact InformationClare Loewenthal is an accomplished author, editor and former magazine publisher who has built a life defined by resilience and purpose.At 18 years of age, Clare Loewenthal enjoyed a charmed and carefree existence. Less than two years later, she had lost agency over her body and her life and was admitted to psychiatric unit a life-threating weight. She didn’t want to die but no longer knew how to live.Despite a long battle with anorexia nervosa, brutal medical treatment and crippling social isolation, Clare transformed her life into one of professional and personal success.Clare was the founder and publisher of Dynamic Small Business (DSB), a magazine she grew to become the largest small business publication in Australia. She still holds the position of Editor Emeritus of Dynamic Business. The release of the second edition of her memoir, The Substance from the Shadow, now gives her a platform to address many of the misconceptions that reduce the very complex world of eating disorders down to wilful vanity.Despite her struggles, Clare created a new identity and a rich life for herself, one no longer defined by weight, food or the judgement of others. Today, she shares her struggle widely, advocating for greater understanding and compassion around eating disorders and mental illness more broadly.Connect with Clare:Book: “Substance From the Shadow” (available on Amazon)· E mail [email protected]· Website https://www.clareloewenthal.com.au/· Medium https://medium.com/@clare.loewenthal· LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-loewenthal-a08a2126/· X - @ClareLoewenthal· Instagram – @clare_loewenthalTo connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and psychologyprofessorandminister.com