Behind The Bite

In this moving episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Katie Kiliszewsk to explore a deeply personal journey through the shadows of anorexia and substance abuse. Katie opens up about the childhood roots of her eating disorder—from being teased by neighborhood kids to the damaging influence of a sports coach—and the sixteen-year battle that followed. They discuss the "all-in" mentality required for true healing, the difficult transition from using exercise as an escape to using it as a source of joy, and how motherhood became the ultimate catalyst for her recovery. This episode is a powerful testament to the fact that no matter how long the struggle lasts, there is always light on the other side. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with psychotherapist Dana Colthart to explore the frequently overlooked connection between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and eating disorders. While many view eating disorders as being strictly about food or willpower, Dana highlights how underlying traits like perfectionism, rigidity, and "black and white" thinking create a perfect storm for disordered eating. Listeners will learn how eating disorder behaviors often serve as a coping mechanism for OCD-related distress and why traditional talk therapy might not be enough without the inclusion of specialized exposure work. Whether you're a professional or someone on a personal recovery journey, this episode offers a roadmap for rewiring the brain’s fear response to find true freedom from rituals and rules. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Heidi McLachlan to discuss the devastating impact of being labeled "chronic" by the very experts meant to provide hope. Heidi shares her two-decade-long journey with anorexia, which began as a search for identity and quickly became a "safety net" that trapped her in a cycle of hospitalizations and despair. After years of being told that full recovery was impossible and that she simply had to "manage" her symptoms, Heidi reached a breaking point during her journey through motherhood. By shifting her perspective from being a "broken patient" to an empowered individual, and utilizing nervous system regulation and somatic work, Heidi finally found the sustainable recovery she was told would never happen. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has been told they are a "lost cause" and is seeking proof that healing is always possible. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Psychiatric medication is often one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged aspects of mental health treatment, particularly when it involves children, adolescents, and eating disorders. In this insightful episode, host Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, a double board-certified psychiatrist, to demystify the role of medication in the recovery process. Dr. Tashkandi explains his human-centered approach to psychiatry, moving beyond "one-size-fits-all" prescriptions to look at the complex biosocial factors that influence a patient's health. Whether you are a parent fearful of the long-term effects of medication on a developing brain or an individual struggling with the medical complexities of an eating disorder, this conversation provides a grounded, expert perspective on why treatment must be comprehensive, collaborative, and deeply compassionate. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this enlightening episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes back therapist and author Alli Spotts-De Lazzer to explore the often-misunderstood concepts of self-esteem and confidence. Many people spend years trying to "fix" themselves or chase higher self-esteem, only to find that their sense of worth remains a moving target. Alli introduces "self-acceptance" as the missing link and the necessary anchor that keeps us steady when shame, fear, or judgment arise. By shifting the focus from objective "improvement" to compassionate curiosity, Alli and Dr. Castagnini discuss how to navigate recovery, body neutrality, and the clinical realities of how nourishment affects our ability to think logically. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in the cycle of self-improvement who is looking for a more stable path toward healing. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Eric Pothen to shine a light on the often-invisible struggle of eating disorders in men. For too long, societal stigmas and the "wellness" industry have allowed disordered behaviors in men to slip through the cracks, masked as fitness goals or masculine ideals. Eric shares his personal journey from struggling with an eating disorder to becoming a recovery coach, offering professional insight into the dangerous normalization of compulsive exercise and the "lean muscular ideal." Whether you are a man questioning your relationship with fitness or a loved one seeking to understand these complex dynamics, this conversation provides the validation and tools needed to challenge the "sick enough" myth and embrace a life of authentic recovery. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes back former U.S. Olympian and elite professional boxer Danny O’Connor to discuss the dangerous intersection of weight-class sports and eating disorders. Danny pulls back the curtain on his 15-year career, revealing how extreme weight cutting and binge eating became a normalized, secret struggle that eventually landed him in the ICU on the brink of a world championship fight. By sharing his journey from his 2013 "epiphany" to his current role as an advocate and author of Weight Class, Danny challenges the stigma surrounding male eating disorders. He explores the psychological shift from "discipline" to a total loss of control and offers a roadmap for recovery that emphasizes honest awareness, multifaceted professional support, and finding the "footholds" necessary to stay the course toward healing. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with trauma-informed, neurodivergent dietitian Chrissy Overstreet to discuss what happens when an eating disorder hides behind the mask of high achievement and a "normal" appearance. Chrissy opens up about how childhood bullying, generational diet talk, and the intense, grueling environment of the culinary industry perfectly camouflaged her restrictive eating and severe body image struggles for years. Together, they explore the difficult realization that your relationship with food isn't just "healthy living" but a true disorder, and how therapy, understanding neurodivergence, and decoupling self-worth from productivity can lead to true healing. If you've ever felt like your struggles weren't "bad enough" to deserve help, this episode will validate your experience and show you that a life free from food obsession is possible. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this poignant and eye-opening episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with author and mental health advocate Johanna Scoglio to discuss the often-overlooked realities of living with and healing from a long-term eating disorder. Johanna bravely shares how profound grief and family transitions at age 15 triggered her decades-long struggle with food restriction and compulsive exercise—a compulsion that was masked by her identity as a dedicated collegiate athlete. Together, they explore the devastating gaps in the medical system that leave patients discharged without referrals, the shame associated with non-linear recovery, and the life-changing power of a harm-reduction approach. If you’ve ever felt unseen by the system, trapped by the rigid "rules" of recovery, or struggled to separate joyful movement from punishment, Johanna’s story offers a deeply compassionate and empowering new perspective on what it means to truly heal. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Alana Van Der Sluys to discuss the often-overlooked struggle of undiagnosed eating disorders. Alana shares her personal battle with orthorexia, binge eating disorder, and atypical anorexia—conditions that were exacerbated by the "not sick enough" narrative and societal weight stigma. Together, they explore the dangerous cycle of weekday restriction and weekend bingeing, the flawed logic of the eating disorder brain, and the crucial importance of validating one’s struggle even without a formal diagnosis. This conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone feeling trapped in food rules or questioning if their suffering is valid enough to seek professional help. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with author Alle C. Hall to explore the complex intersection of childhood trauma and eating disorders. Alle shares her candid 30-year journey of healing, discussing how creativity served as a lifeline when the weight of abuse felt insurmountable. They delve into the often-unspoken realities of relapse during major life transitions like postpartum depression and perimenopause, the nuances of navigating 12-step programs with a feminist perspective, and why recovery is rarely a straight line. This conversation offers hope and validation to anyone feeling like their healing journey is "messy" or taking longer than expected, reminding us that struggling does not erase the work we have already done. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Binge Eating Recovery Coach Stefanie Michele to discuss the alarming parallels between modern "wellness" food guidelines and eating disorder behaviors. They dismantle the fear-mongering around carbohydrates, the elitism of "clean eating," and the dangers of new inverted food pyramid trends that demonize essential macronutrients. Stefanie shares her personal 25-year battle with eating disorders and how she finally found recovery at age 40. Together, they explore the dangerous intersection of GLP-1 medications and restrictive diet culture, offering a compassionate perspective on why you might feel stressed about food and how to find your way back to balance. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this poignant episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with oncology nurse educator Robby Wallace to discuss the often-overlooked physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment. While medical teams focus on eradicating the disease, patients are frequently left to navigate profound shifts in their body image, identity, and daily functionality on their own. Robby sheds light on the gaps in the current healthcare system, explaining why patients often feel lost in medical jargon and why having a patient advocate is crucial. From the trauma of hair loss to the complexities of fertility and intimacy, this conversation offers a compassionate look at what it truly means to heal the person, not just the patient. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Virginia Newman, known as "The Radical Dietitian," to expose the dangerous line between wellness culture and Orthorexia. They discuss how the pursuit of "clean eating" and dietary purity can spiral into a debilitating eating disorder that shrinks your life while masquerading as health. Virginia shares her personal journey from a back injury that triggered a food obsession to finding true freedom through Body Trust. Together, they dismantle the myths of anti-fatness, explore the brutality of recovery in a diet-obsessed world, and explain why your body was never the problem to be solved. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Alana Cahoon to tackle the pervasive issue of stress and anxiety in our modern, fast-paced world. Together, they explore the cultural pressure to "live to work" rather than "work to live," and how this mindset contributes to burnout and disconnection. Alana shares practical, accessible tools to help listeners stop spiraling into future worries or past regrets, offering a path to reclaim peace and presence in the everyday through grounding techniques and a shift in perspective. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If January feels heavy — not motivating, not inspiring, not like a fresh start — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I explore why so many people are quietly opting out of New Year’s resolutions and resonating with the idea of a “Soft January.” Not because they don’t care about growth — but because years of trying to do things the “right” way have left them feeling like failures when those plans inevitably didn’t stick. We talk about how January pressure mirrors diet culture, perfectionism, and people-pleasing — especially for those who’ve spent years believing they weren’t disciplined or consistent enough. I unpack why the problem was never you, but the systems that set you up to internalize failure. This episode isn’t anti-goals or anti-change. It’s about separating growth from self-worth — and learning how “good enough” can be a powerful corrective experience. If you’ve ever walked away from a resolution, a reset, or a new start feeling like you were the failure, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this critical and timely episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini is joined by Melainie Rogers, Founder and CEO of BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center, to navigate the chaotic "wild west" of the current weight loss landscape. As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy saturate the market, Melainie pulls back the curtain on the alarming side effects that are often swept under the rug—from significant muscle atrophy to "medically induced anorexia." This conversation challenges the pervasive myth that thinness equals health, exposing how the lack of informed consent and the rise of med-spa prescriptions are setting the stage for a future of metabolic damage and disordered eating. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina sits down with James Cappola, a seasoned fitness trainer and co-founder of Zero Shortcuts Training, to dismantle the toxic "no pain, no gain" mentality that plagues the fitness industry. James opens up about his own history with exercise bulimia and body dysmorphia, revealing how he appeared to be the picture of health—sporting a six-pack and muscles—while secretly battling a debilitating eating disorder and substance abuse. Together, they discuss the dangerous misconception that aesthetics equal health, the double standards in how society views bodies, and how to shift your relationship with movement from one of punishment to one of self-respect and sustainability. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Holly Toscanini, a former weight loss expert turned intuitive living coach, to dismantle the "someday" myth. Holly shares her powerful pivot from running medical weight loss programs to realizing that chasing a number on the scale was actually shrinking her life, not expanding it. Together, they pull back the curtain on the toxic business model of the diet industry, discuss why waiting to be "thin enough" is actually a form of self-abandonment, and how women can reclaim their confidence through self-trust and intuitive eating—especially while navigating the changes of midlife and menopause. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Wednesdae Reim Ifrach to dismantle the toxic "New Year, New You" narrative and explore the deep intersections between eating disorders, gender identity, and medical trauma. Wednesdae shares their harrowing story of being "prescribed" an eating disorder by a pediatrician at age 10 and how the pursuit of thinness masked a deeper struggle with gender dysphoria. Together, they discuss the current landscape of GLP-1 agonists, the dangers of bariatric surgery, and why healing isn't about fixing yourself—it's about finally being allowed to exist as you are. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling the pressure to shrink themselves to fit into a system that wasn't built for them. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Zoe Harwood to dismantle the dangerous myths surrounding the BMI and the concept of "clean eating." Zoe shares her personal journey from a professional dancer praised for her "discipline" to a woman battling severe Orthorexia—a condition often hidden behind a mask of health and wellness. They discuss how the medical community frequently overlooks eating disorders in individuals who sit within a "healthy" weight range, the toxic grip of social media algorithms, and the frightening reality of navigating pregnancy while fearing medical intervention. This conversation challenges the definition of health, proving that well-being is about far more than a number on a scale or the "purity" of the food on your plate. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This impactful episode features Debra Benfield sharing her expertise and personal journey through diet culture, ageism, and self-acceptance. The conversation, hosted by Dr. Cristina Castagnini, delves into the pervasive cultural pressures surrounding aging, food, and body image. Debra explains how undernourishment is often disguised as discipline, urges listeners to question “anti-aging” marketing, and offers guidance to reclaim trust and compassion for their changing bodies. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For nearly a decade, Greta was told by doctors, coaches, and the sports culture around her that losing her period as an athlete was just part of the game—a sign of dedication and discipline. It wasn't until after college, when she discovered research on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), that she realized her body had been screaming for help all along. Through her personal recovery and professional training, Greta learned that underfueling is one of the most overlooked issues in athletics—and that what looks like peak performance on the outside can mask serious health consequences on the inside. Together, Dr. Castagnini and Greta explore the dangerous normalization of disordered eating in sports, the signs coaches and athletes need to watch for, and how to create a culture that prioritizes long-term health over short-term performance. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and deeply vulnerable episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Nikki DuBose, a model, author, advocate, and PsyD student, who shares her courageous journey from childhood trauma and eating disorders to a thriving modeling career that masked deep internal struggles, and ultimately to full recovery and healing. For years, Nikki lived the life everyone envied—gracing magazine covers, walking runways, and embodying what society calls "perfection." But behind the flawless images was a young woman falling apart inside, battling an eating disorder that began at age eight and a relentless pursuit of external validation that could never fill the void within. Through therapy, spirituality, and profound self-discovery, Nikki learned that the most beautiful transformation doesn't happen on the outside—it happens when you finally come home to yourself. Together, Dr. Castagnini and Nikki explore the reality behind the glamorous facade, the pressures of the modeling industry, and what it truly means to find peace from the inside out. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Heidi Dueweke, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Personal Trainer, who shares her powerful journey from years of self-criticism and rigid food rules to true healing and self-acceptance. For much of her life, Heidi believed discipline, control, and self-denial would finally bring her peace. Instead, those beliefs led her down a path of perfectionism, food obsession, and shame. Through therapy, education, and self-discovery, she came to understand that you can’t hate your body into healing—and that real change begins when we shift from control to compassion. Together, Dr. Castagnini and Heidi explore the cultural pressures that normalize disordered eating, the hidden links between anxiety, ADHD, and food behaviors, and the freedom that comes from redefining “healthy” on your own terms. This episode offers hope for anyone stuck in the cycle of self-doubt, restriction, or comparison. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Dr. Erin Harrop (they/them) — a licensed medical social worker, assistant professor at the University of Denver, and leading researcher on eating disorders, weight stigma, and inclusive healthcare. Dr. Harrop brings both professional expertise and personal lived experience to the discussion, shedding light on how systemic biases and cultural myths about body size shape who receives care — and who gets ignored. Together, they explore the harmful message that some people are “not sick enough” for treatment and the devastating effects of weight stigma in the medical system. Through compelling real-life examples and research insights, Dr. Harrop helps listeners understand how eating disorders present across diverse bodies, why atypical anorexia remains misunderstood, and what needs to change in healthcare. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Dr. Jillian Lampert, one of the nation’s leading experts in eating disorder treatment and policy. Together, they unpack the complexities of navigating eating disorder care—from identifying the right level of treatment to understanding how virtual care has reshaped access in the modern era. Dr. Lampert blends three decades of professional expertise with her personal journey of recovery, offering both compassion and clarity for anyone facing the confusion and stigma that often surround eating disorders. Listeners will gain valuable insights into what “the right level of care” means, why weight bias continues to impact diagnosis, and how hybrid and virtual treatment options are improving accessibility nationwide. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this insightful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Asher M. Seruya, a psychotherapist whose lived experience with eating disorders, neurodivergence, and Jewish identity informs their clinical practice and advocacy work. Together, they unpack the complex intersections of culture, family, identity, and neurodiversity that shape how we experience food and body image. Asher shares their powerful story of struggling with restriction, bingeing, and perfectionism—alongside the deep healing that came from understanding how trauma, cultural messaging, and ADHD influenced their relationship with food. This episode explores how shame and self-judgment evolve through family systems, religious traditions, and social pressures, and how recovery means learning to exist more fully and compassionately in one’s own body. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deeply compassionate and informative episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini speaks with Jane Reagan, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, counselor, and creator of The Eating Disorder Recovery Roadmap for Parents. Jane shares both her professional expertise and her personal journey of supporting her own daughter through anorexia. Together, Cristina and Jane shed light on the challenges parents face when navigating their child’s eating disorder—dispelling myths, addressing guilt, and highlighting the powerful role parents can play as allies in recovery. The discussion covers practical strategies for supporting children at home, fostering open communication, managing family dynamics, and understanding that recovery is not just about food—it’s about healing what lies beneath. This episode is an essential listen for any parent who feels overwhelmed, unsure, or fearful while walking alongside their child’s recovery path. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Robyn Goldberg, RDN, a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, author, and podcast host. Robyn shares her journey as a lifelong athlete—from competing in tennis at the collegiate level to training for triathlons—and the painful lessons she learned when her body broke down after years of being told to 'just push through.' Her story highlights the harmful cultural and athletic messages around pain, performance, and identity, and how ignoring the body’s signals can have lasting consequences. Together, Cristina and Robyn explore topics such as how athletics shape body image, what perimenopause teaches us about longevity, and why families and clinicians urgently need better tools to support individuals with eating disorders. This candid conversation offers wisdom on resilience, reframing health, and the importance of truly listening to your body at every stage of life. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and moving episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Kerry Melachouris, a former performer turned CCI-certified Eating Disorder Coach and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Kerry brings both lived experience and clinical insight to the table as she shares her decades-long battle with anorexia, bulimia, overexercise, and atypical anorexia—and her journey to full recovery. Kerry’s story challenges two dangerous myths: that only certain bodies can recover and that if treatment hasn’t “worked,” you’re a lost cause. Through raw honesty and hope, Kerry sheds light on the realities of eating disorders in the performing arts, the trauma that often fuels them, and the systemic barriers patients face when seeking care. Together, Kerry and Dr. Castagnini unpack the flawed reliance on BMI and “normal labs,” the harmful role of industry pressures, and why primary care providers need more education on identifying eating disorders. Kerry also speaks candidly about her relapses, health consequences, and how she ultimately found lasting recovery and purpose as an advocate and professional helping others. This conversation is both validating and empowering, proving that recovery is possible at any size, at any stage, and for anyone. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this insightful and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Orlee Klempner, an integrative practitioner specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, and trauma-informed yoga. Orlee opens up about her personal journey of growing up in a culture steeped in dieting, body image pressures, and early medical trauma. Through her story, Orlee shares how shame and comparison shaped her relationship with her body—and how IFS became a transformative tool in helping her find self-acceptance and compassion. Together, they explore how parts work helps uncover the protective roles behind eating disorders, the importance of validating lived experiences, and how healing requires gentleness, empathy, and curiosity. This candid episode highlights the power of IFS in addressing eating disorders, trauma, and anxiety, while offering hope and concrete tools for anyone struggling with body image and self-worth. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Dalia Kinsey, RD—a queer, Black registered dietitian and holistic wellness practitioner—for an honest and liberating conversation about food, body image, and diet culture. Together, they unpack why fear-based food rules backfire, how cultural messages shape our relationship with eating, and what it really takes to heal from toxic beliefs around food. Dalia shares personal insights on making eating joyful again, why under-eating often causes more harm than good, and the importance of building trust with your body. This discussion challenges conventional “nutrition as control” narratives and highlights the need for collaborative, trauma-informed care. With warmth and wisdom, Dalia offers a vision of food as connection, pleasure, and empowerment—especially for marginalized communities navigating intersecting pressures of culture, identity, and body expectations. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini talks with Samantha Brior, founder of Safe Sam’s, a unique product line and community resource designed to support individuals and families going through eating disorder recovery. Sam shares her personal story of recovery, how her lived experience inspired her to create snack bars specifically for those in treatment, and how her journey evolved into a mission-driven business that funds recovery-related needs. Through Safe Sam’s, she not only offers practical products like motivational blankets, journals, and self-care items but also helps cover real-life expenses—such as groceries or medical bills—that can otherwise be barriers to recovery. This heartfelt conversation explores how creativity, persistence, and compassion can transform personal pain into a force for good, offering hope to those navigating the difficult path of recovery. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Haley Schiek, an eating disorder recovery coach and founder of COSANA Coaching, to share her personal journey from years of struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating to building a life of freedom, purpose, and joy. Haley recounts how childhood bullying, social media pressures, and the cultural obsession with thinness shaped her early sense of self and triggered her eating disorder. She opens up about her healing path—starting with yoga teacher training at just 15, discovering energy work and spiritual connection after college, and ultimately finding peace with her body and food. Together, Haley and Dr. Cristina explore how trauma, systemic pressures, and the “thin ideal” keep so many people trapped in cycles of shame and self-criticism, and why true recovery often requires addressing mind, body, and spirit—not just behavior. This episode is for anyone who has struggled to feel at home in their body, or who is curious about incorporating yoga, mindfulness, and energy work into their recovery process. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Sherry Shaban, Certified Athletic Therapist, Osteopath, Hypnotherapist, and creator of the Make Peace With Food method. Sherry shares her powerful personal journey from being a competitive athlete, to a life-altering accident that left her in chronic pain, to rediscovering strength, and eventually questioning everything she had been taught about nutrition and fitness. Through her story, listeners will learn how diet culture and endless cycles of restriction create confusion, fear, and disconnection from the body. Sherry explains how nervous system dysregulation often lies at the root of emotional eating, bingeing, and food fear — and why true healing requires going beyond calories, macros, and meal plans. Together, Sherry and Dr. Cristina uncover why most diets fail, how fear drives food behaviors, and how cultivating self-compassion and emotional safety can transform not just eating habits, but overall well-being. This candid conversation offers a refreshing, hopeful approach: healing from the inside out. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special milestone episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini celebrates the 250th episode of Behind the Bite! Unlike most episodes, today it’s just Dr. Cristina—no guest—reflecting on the journey of this podcast and diving into one of the most insidious forces impacting our body image and relationship with food: media-driven diet culture. Dr. Cristina unpacks decades of harmful ads, reality TV shows, fashion campaigns, and celebrity influences that have shaped our collective beliefs about health, beauty, and worth. From the infamous “Are You Beach Body Ready?” campaign to The Biggest Loser, Friends, and TikTok diet trends, she reveals how fatphobia has been sold to us through shame, humor, and exclusion. This raw and passionate solo episode is both a celebration of how far the podcast has come and a call to keep questioning the messages we’re fed. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or are joining for the first time, this episode will empower you to see through the myths, challenge stigma, and reclaim your worth beyond the scale. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes back Beatriz (Béa) Victoria Albina, NP, MPH, SEP—nurse practitioner, somatic life coach, and host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast. Béa returns to discuss her upcoming book, End Emotional Outsourcing: A Guide to Overcoming Codependent, Perfectionist, and People-Pleasing Habits (Hachette Balance, Sept. 30). Béa introduces the term “emotional outsourcing”—her reframe of the outdated concept of codependency. Rather than pathologizing love, care, and connection, she explains how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-erasure are survival strategies we once needed to stay safe. Now, however, these patterns keep us disconnected from our authenticity, self-trust, and worth. Through personal insights, metaphors (like “baby sweaters” and “newborn kitten steps”), and clinical wisdom, Béa and Dr. Castagnini explore how emotional outsourcing is deeply tied to body image, diet culture, and perfectionist pressures. Together, they outline pathways toward reclaiming self-trust, rebuilding body awareness, and setting loving boundaries—so we can live lives rooted in authenticity rather than external validation. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Danielle Bernock—award-winning author, international speaker, and trauma-informed faith-based self-love coach. Known as “that lady on the internet who loves you,” Danielle courageously shares her journey from childhood shame and emotional neglect to years of battling eating disorders, self-hatred, and trauma—before finding healing, faith, and self-love. Through raw storytelling, Danielle opens up about growing up feeling invisible and unwanted, coping with pain through disordered eating, and the pivotal road trip that set her on a path toward transformation. Together, she and Dr. Castagnini unpack how shame, neglect, and trauma manifest not only in emotions but in the body, leading to physical illness and destructive coping mechanisms. Listeners will hear Danielle’s insights on reclaiming choice as a “superpower,” the importance of safe relationships and community, and how unconditional love—both from others and within ourselves—becomes the foundation for true healing. This powerful conversation reminds us that while trauma shapes us, it doesn’t have to define us. Healing is possible, and self-love is the way forward. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with therapist, author, and co-founder of the Center for Body Trust, Hilary Kinavey, for a powerful and deeply validating conversation on body trust, midlife transitions, and the complex emotions surrounding menopause and aging. Hilary shares her personal and professional insights into how diet culture and beauty standards intersect with perimenopause, and how our society’s obsession with thinness, youth, and productivity intensifies body shame during these natural life transitions. The conversation explores the emotional, physiological, and social dimensions of menopause, while inviting listeners to step away from control-based approaches and move toward a more compassionate, liberatory path of healing. Together, they challenge the dominant narratives of “fixing” the body, especially through diet fads or medications like GLP-1s, and instead call for a return to self-trust, grief work, and embodied wisdom. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 'Behind the Bite,' Dr. Cristina Castagnini explores the often overlooked 'messy middle' phase of therapy and recovery. Drawing from her own experiences and decades of professional expertise, Dr. Cristina Castagnini addresses common misconceptions about healing and emphasizes that progress is a gradual process filled with small, significant steps. She reassures listeners that feelings of confusion, exhaustion, and doubt are normal and crucial parts of the journey towards a better life. Dr. Cristina Castagnini also shares practical insights on recognizing subtle signs of healing and underscores the importance of perseverance and self-compassion. She encourages those in therapy to communicate their struggles openly and to see each step as a movement forward, no matter how challenging it may feel. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The CBT Rewrite We’ve Been Waiting For: A Weight-Inclusive Path to Eating Disorder Recovery, featuring Drs. Lauren Muhlheim, Jen Averyt, and Shannon Patterson—three psychologists reshaping how we treat eating disorders through a radically inclusive new CBT workbook. This episode of Behind the Bite, hosted by Dr. Cristina Castagnini, examines the evolution and shortcomings of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for eating disorders, and unveils a newly developed, radically weight-inclusive CBT workbook. Joined by three expert psychologists—Dr. Lauren Muhlheim, Dr. Jen Averitt, and Dr. Shannon Patterson—the conversation provides insight into how culture, weight stigma, and inclusivity must reshape how clinicians and individuals approach eating disorder recovery. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina introduces guest Ali Shapiro, host of the Insatiable Podcast, holistic nutritionist, and creator of the True Swift Food framework. Ali shares her personal journey with emotional eating, cancer survival, and eventual realization of the deep connections between food, safety, and belonging. The conversation delves into the often misunderstood aspects of emotional eating, the inadequacies of traditional treatment settings, and the importance of attuning to one’s body without rigid rules. Ali and Cristina discuss practical strategies for understanding the underlying reasons behind food struggles and emphasize the significance of creating a supportive and understanding community to foster true healing and authenticity. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this compelling episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Dr. Joy Cox to explore the pervasive issue of weight stigma and fatphobia, particularly how it intersects with medicine, race, and gender. Dr. Cox shares her personal journey of living in a larger body and how a pivotal moment during her master's program ignited her passion to study and dismantle weight bias in society. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of Behind the Bite explores the crucial topic of preventing disordered eating in children, both at school and at home. Dr. Cristina Castagnini welcomes Anna Lutz, a pediatric eating disorder dietitian, to discuss how families and educators can shift the conversation around food, bodies, and health to foster a healthier environment for kids. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of 'Behind the Bite,' Dr. Cristina Castagnini celebrates the 4th of July by revisiting the best moments from previous episodes. Dr. Cristina Castagnini, a psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist, shares personal stories and professional insights on the struggles and successes surrounding food, body image, and weight. The episode covers the detrimental effects of diet culture, the biological resistance to weight loss, and the importance of intuitive and mindful eating. Expert opinions emphasize that health is not determined by weight, critiquing the misuse of BMI and advocating for a weight-inclusive approach to wellbeing. The show aims to break down stigma, foster community support, and promote body acceptance. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina Castagnini speaks with therapist Cassie Krajewski about healing from trauma, eating disorders, and body disconnection. They explore the concept of embodiment versus disembodiment and how trauma impacts one’s relationship with their body and food. Cassie shares trauma-informed approaches, including Internal Family Systems and EMDR, to safely reconnect with the body. They also discuss the intersection of sexuality, body image, and trauma recovery. Finally, they highlight the importance of body liberation and trusting the healing process. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This powerful episode dives deep into the challenges of living in a diet-obsessed culture and explores how to navigate conversations about weight, health, and body image. Dr. Castagnini and Karen Scheuner discuss the exhausting reality of being professionals in the eating disorder field while encountering diet culture messaging in everyday social situations. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lindley, a photographer and body liberation activist, discusses her journey combining photography with activism focused on marginalized bodies. She explains how societal messages about bodies are absorbed daily and shape our emotional reactions to photos of ourselves. The episode delves into the historical roots of body image issues, linking them to racism and the development of Western beauty standards. Lindley highlights how media and culture reinforce these standards and the ongoing process of unlearning negative body image. She encourages understanding the origins of these feelings to make conscious choices about self-acceptance. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this insightful episode, Béa joins the show to discuss her journey from primary care and functional medicine to focusing on the psychology and nervous system aspects of health. The conversation explores the deep connections between mind, body, trauma, and the development of codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing habits. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.