Rethinking Body Image & Success with Laura Phelan

Please note: the following conversation will include references to both the host and the guests' journeys with eating disorders. Links to resources are at the bottom of the show notes.In this conversation, Lily reunites with Laura Phelan, the coach who guided her through her own food and body image recovery journey. Laura began her career as a Harley St Food & Body Image Expert where she had a clinic for two years. She has since helped and worked with over 1000 clients, has spoken on national television (including BBC & Channel 4) as well as nationwide for large organisations. Now a self-image specialist, Laura shares her transformative path from surviving anorexia to pioneering a broader approach to self-worth and identity. Their conversation weaves together their shared history while exploring how Laura's work has expanded far beyond body-image to help women and teenage girls embrace their whole selves.Through evidence and story, Laura reveals how personal transformation can spark cultural change, exploring the interconnectedness of body image and self-worth, the impact of societal messaging, the importance of challenging outdated beauty standards and the meaning of community and belonging. Laura's innovative approach combines practical tools with deep insights, offering a fresh perspective on how we can reshape both individual lives and societal norms.Some key areas talked about​The story of Lily meeting Laura and their journey together ​Why the "perfect life" pursuit holds us back​The truth about body image ​Rethinking aging and beauty​The hidden force behind comparison culture - and how to break free​What belonging really means in today's disconnected world​Why quick fixes are not always the solution​How to balance goal setting with being present where you are​The unexpected connection between present-moment awareness and success​A new framework for raising confident future generationsHOW TO FIND LAURALaura's instagramLaura's websiteEmail Laura: [email protected]’s FREE self image blueprint (an amazing journal prompt)If you are struggling, check out BEAT: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/. This is a UK based charity, but they have great free resources online which hopefully should be accessible in countries around the world. I personally wish I'd known about crisis text lines during my own recovery (such as SHOUT UK), if you type in 'crisis text line' to Google, hopefully some emergency text lines will come up for your country. These are invaluable in those difficult moments, and text-based support gives that extra layer of privacy.