Best Laura Spence Podcasts (2026)

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The Elusiveness of “Full Recovery” from Disordered Eating with Mallary Tenore Tarpley 33:42

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26d ago33:42

33:42

Journalist and professor Mallary Tenore Tarpley joins us to discuss her new book Slip and the realities of life in the middle of eating disorder recovery. She shares how losing her mother as a young girl led to disordered eating, why residential treatment was beneficial (and not), and how the pressures of maintaining “full recovery” led to years of…

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How to Feed Picky Eaters (Without Diet Culture) ft. Katja Rowell, M.D. 31:04

2M ago31:04

31:04

Katja Rowell, M.D. joins us to discuss responsive feeding, picky eating, and how to parent without passing diet culture norms on to your kids. We also explore the science behind a few common misperceptions from parents and doctors including: why playful or gamified tactics to change eating habits can be harmful and backfire, the problems with many …

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Neurodivergence and Nutrition: Separating Myths from Facts with Dietitian Jackie Silver 25:54

2M ago25:54

25:54

Registered dietitian Jackie Silver joins us to discuss nutritional approaches that are helpful for neurodivergence, why neurodivergent people are often the targets of wellness and diet culture, the kinds of wellness-culture messages she’s gotten as a person with a disability, and why the advice to cut out gluten for autism is often harmful. Behind …

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From Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss to Practicing Weight-Inclusive Medicine with Dr. Mara Gordon 35:10

3M ago35:10

35:10

Physician and writer Mara Gordon joins us to discuss diet and wellness culture among medical doctors, why she took Ozempic for weight loss (and what made her quit), how she came to practice weight-inclusive care, and lots more. Behind the paywall, we get into why she was initially reluctant to write about weight inclusivity, her perspective on Ozem…

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"Food Addiction" + Ultraprocessed Foods + Disordered Eating with Marci Evans 1:09:26

4M ago1:09:26

1:09:26

Eating-disorders dietitian Marci Evans joins us to discuss the current science on “food addiction” (sometimes called “ultraprocessed food addiction”)—and what’s changed since I first interviewed her about this topic for Food Psych back in 2016. We get into how food addiction is defined and measured (and what that definition leaves out), the overlap…

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Secrets of the Notorious "Camp Shame," a Hotbed of Disordered Eating and Deception 1:13:10

5M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Filmmaker and podcaster Kelsey Snelling joins us to discuss her new podcast, Camp Shame, which exposes the troubling history of a notorious weight-loss camp. We get into the effects of deprivation and starvation, the cult-like nature of the camp, how it weathered its many scandals, whether it’s possible to run a camp for larger-bodied kids that’s w…

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#337: Why Ozempic Isn't a Miracle Weight-Loss Drug with Amanda Martinez Beck 34:47

6M ago34:47

34:47

Author and activist Amanda Martinez Beck joins us to discuss her experience of taking Ozempic for diabetes while also working to accept her body and break down anti-fat bias in society. She shares her history of dieting and disordered eating, how chronic conditions including diabetes as well as fibromyalgia and post-Covid syndrome have impacted her…

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#336: Dispelling Diet-Culture Myths About Blood Sugar and Diabetes with Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones 41:16

6M ago41:16

41:16

Registered dietitians and diabetes educators Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez join us to discuss why weight loss isn’t necessary for managing blood sugar, why the popular wellness-culture notion of diabetes “remission” or “reversal” can be harmful, how the popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs as diet drugs is affecting people who use them for d…

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#335: GLP-1 Hype, Handling Haters, and Dating in a Larger Body with Virginia Sole-Smith 39:04

8M ago39:04

39:04

Journalist Virginia Sole-Smith joins us to discuss how GLP-1 hype has changed the conversation about diet culture, the importance of body autonomy, how “bro” diet culture became public policy, how she handles haters, the “fed is best” approach to parenting, and lots more. Behind the paywall, she shares her experience of weighing herself for the fir…

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#334: “Adrenal Fatigue” + Anti-Inflammatory Diets + Eating-Disorder Recovery with Oona Hanson 43:22

9M ago43:22

43:22

Parent coach Oona Hanson joins us to discuss how going to a physical therapist for back pain led her down a wellness-culture rabbit hole, why dietary restrictions to “fight inflammation” just ended up harming her relationship with food and her body, how she got the dubious diagnosis of “adrenal fatigue,” and more. Behind the paywall, we get into ho…

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#333: Blood-Sugar Myths and Intuitive Eating for Diabetes with Janice Dada 31:31

10M ago31:31

31:31

Dietitian and diabetes educator Janice Dada joins us to discuss why there’s so much stigma and blame on people with diabetes, the wellness-culture belief that people can “reverse diabetes” by restricting foods and taking a bunch of supplements, why people don’t “give themselves diabetes” by eating too much sugar, the myth that people with diabetes …

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ADHD and Trauma: Insights and Strategies with Dr. Kara Davey 53:24

10M ago53:24

53:24

Discover an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Kara Davey, a clinical psychologist and ADHD coach, who shares her heartfelt journey through ADHD and perinatal trauma. Dr Davey opens up about her own experiences with perinatal loss and the profound ways these events magnified her ADHD symptoms, ultimately inspiring her to establish two businesses ded…

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Scott Mair and his Close-Knit Clan 1:29:54

10M ago1:29:54

1:29:54

Join Scott Mair in this heartwarming episode as we explore the stories and wisdom of family bonds within Scott’s unique, large, close-knit family. Scott shares laughter, struggles, and valuable lessons learned from living with multiple generations, highlighting the unique dynamics where siblings, despite their occasional scuffles, fiercely look out…

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When One plus One Equals Seven: Laura chats with Sarah Mair 1:20:30

10M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

I loved this open and sincere discussion with Sarah Mair, an extraordinary woman with an enriching life journey. Sarah, a mother of seven boys, stands as a passionate advocate for pregnant women and families with neurodiverse children. Beyond her family role, she is the operational manager of Fatherhood Solutions, showcasing her exceptional multita…

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Exploring Neurodivergent Journeys in Education and Life: Chatting with Rianna Bailey 1:18:26

10M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Host Laura Spence sits down with Rianna Bailey for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about her transformative journey from teaching in a traditional classroom to embracing a career in Pilates—a decision rooted in prioritising her family’s needs. As a mother navigating the complexities of ADHD and autism within her household, Rianna shares ho…

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Mind the Gap: Maternal Mental Health Alliance, Neurodivergence & the Fight for Equitable Care. 16:13

10M ago16:13

16:13

In this special edition episode, I discuss a charity close to my heart... Maternal mental health inequalities in the UK create life-or-death disparities for women before, during, and after pregnancy. The Maternal Mental Health Alliance works to ensure every mother receives appropriate support, but significant gaps remain—particularly for neurodiver…

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Sara Jay- Clinical Director of DivergenceUK and 'under-the-desk' fidgeting 1:15:20

10M ago1:15:20

1:15:20

Send us a text Sara Jay is an ADHD Nurse Specialist and Non-medical Prescriber with experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan. She has professional and personal knowledge and experience of neurodivergence as an ADHD female who received a later-life diagnosis. She has two children diagnosed in their teenage years with AD…

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#332: "All Instinct, No Rational Thought," and Other Myths About Intuitive Eating - with Elyse Resch 35:50

11M ago35:50

35:50

Registered dietitian and INTUITIVE EATING co-author Elyse Resch returns to help dispel myths about intuitive eating, including that it means *only* listening to instinct and not the rational brain, that it’s incompatible with eating-disorder recovery, that it’s impossible in an environment rife with “ultraprocessed” foods, and more. She also shares…

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#331: How Is Your Relationship with Alcohol? Ft. Jenna Hollenstein 41:01

12M ago41:01

41:01

Dietitian and author Jenna Hollenstein joins us to discuss her experience with alcoholism and recovery, the intersection of disordered eating and disordered drinking, the sobriety trend in wellness culture, Dry January, mindful drinking, “food addiction,” and more. (This episode is cross-posted from our other podcast, Rethinking Wellness.) Paid sub…

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#330: Fashion for Every Body, Functional-Medicine Failings, and Finding Your True Style with Dacy Gillespie 39:09

1y ago39:09

39:09

Anti-diet personal stylist Dacy Gillespie joins us to discuss diet and wellness culture, her bad experience with functional medicine (and what attracted her to it in the first place), how she’s dealing with her chronic symptoms now, and why she doesn’t think clothes should be “flattering.” Behind the paywall, we get into how to shop for clothes aft…

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#329: Challenging the Hype About Gut Health and Ultra-Processed Foods with Laura Thomas 38:28

1y ago38:28

38:28

Registered nutritionist, author, and friend of the pod Laura Thomas joins us to unpack the problematic notion that you need to eat a ridiculously large number of plants per week for gut health, and what we actually know about how plant foods affect the gut microbiome. We also get into how to distinguish good science from hype, how ultra-processed f…

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#328: Escaping Diet and Wellness Culture in Fashion and Dietetics with Shana Minei Spence 31:26

1y ago31:26

31:26

Registered dietitian and author Shana Minei Spence joins us to discuss how a career in fashion affected her relationship with food and her body, her experience with a holistic provider who recommended elimination diets, how values and social norms influenced her use of alternative medicine, her disordered motivations for becoming a dietitian, and m…

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#327: Hormone-Health Myths and Facts with Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell 49:16

1+ y ago49:16

49:16

Endocrinologist Gregory Dodell joins us to discuss myths and facts about hormones, including the problems with doing diets and supplement protocols for “hormone balancing,” why weight-loss recommendations aren’t helpful for hormone health, how to manage thyroid conditions without falling prey to wellness fads, the truth about “adrenal fatigue,” the…

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#326: Body Image: What the Evidence Really Says, with Charlotte Markey 43:01

1+ y ago43:01

43:01

Psychologist and body-image researcher Charlotte Markey joins us to discuss myths and misinformation about body image, how chronic illness and pain affect perceptions of our bodies, the body positivity vs. body neutrality debate, the potential body-image harms of social media (and how to mitigate them), how the discourse about GLP-1 weight-loss dru…

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#325: Recovering in a Larger Body with Shira Rosenbluth 54:17

1+ y ago54:17

54:17

Eating-disorders therapist Shira Rosenbluth returns to discuss how she was able to get into solid eating-disorder recovery after many years of struggling, her experience of recovering into a larger body and how she navigated weight stigma in that process, being a plus-size bride, how the hype around GLP-1s has affected her recovery (and her clients…

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Brain Power of ADHD: Neuroplasticity, and Compassion in Education and Motherhood 58:59

1+ y ago58:59

58:59

Send us a text What happens when we understand and harness our cognitive strengths and weaknesses? Join us as we unravel the transformative impact of integrating self-regulation and executive function skills in educational settings, highlighting a primary school in East London. We promise you'll deeply appreciate the biopsychosocial model and see h…

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The School of Womanhood: Hormones, Menstrual Cycle, and Mental Health 1:07:36

1+ y ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Send us a text Do you ever wonder how much you truly understand your menstrual health and its impact on your overall well-being? Our latest webinar at the School of Womanhood promises to shed light on this essential topic, featuring insights from experts like Gemma Poole, a dedicated midwife and NHS entrepreneur, Laura Spence, founder of Neuronatal…

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#324: Weight-Loss-Industry Influence in "Obesity" Research with Alexis Conason 38:46

1+ y ago38:46

38:46

Eating-disorders psychologist Alexis Conason joins us to discuss her background in “obesity” research, how she came to question the conventional weight paradigm and move to a weight-neutral approach, the industry influence behind the American Medical Association’s decision to classify obesity as a disease in 2013, the mental-health effects of baria…

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#323: The Hidden Risks of Weight-Loss Drugs: Behind the GLP-1 Hype with Ragen Chastain 38:48

1+ y ago38:48

38:48

Writer, speaker, and weight-inclusive health/fitness professional Ragen Chastain joins us to discuss the potential side effects and other downsides of using GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic and its ilk) for weight loss, the massive influence the manufacturers of these drugs are having on the public discourse about them, why the media don’t often report on…

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#322: From Picky Eating to Peace with Food: Feeding Kids with Heidi Schauster 57:54

1+ y ago57:54

57:54

Dietitian and author Heidi Schauster joins us to discuss why putting kids on gluten-free diets or other elimination diets in the name of health often backfires; how parents can help kids develop a good relationship with all foods, including demonized ones like sugar; developmentally appropriate ways to talk to kids about nutrition; why pleasure is …

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Our Neurodivergent Voice's 54:32

2y ago54:32

54:32

Send us a text In true ADHD style, it's taken ages to get started on series 3. But here it is. Our latest episode takes you through the often-missed connections between binge eating disorder and ADHD, pulling back the curtain on the reality that many face in silence. We dissect the challenges of ADHD in healthcare, especially for women, and how cre…

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#321: Eating-Disorder Healing and the Importance of Community Support with Akiera Gilbert 49:07

2y ago49:07

49:07

Project HEAL CEO Akiera Gilbert joins us to discuss her relationship with food growing up, why she didn’t realize she had an eating disorder, how she finally began to find healing, the importance of community in disordered-eating recovery, what to do if community feels tricky to you, and more. Akiera Gilbert (she/her), CEO of Project HEAL, reminds …

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Preview: Let Your Community Be Your Compass with Akiera Gilbert 12:38

2y ago12:38

12:38

In honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), we’re sharing a teaser of next month’s episode. It’s with Akiera Gilbert, the new CEO of Project HEAL, whose theme for EDAW is “let your community be your compass.” In this mini-episode, Akiera shares the importance of community when it comes to eating-disorder recovery, her goals with Project HEA…

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#320: Healing from Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Binge Eating, and Body Shame with Judith Matz and Amy Pershing 1:00:57

2y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Therapists and authors Judith Matz and Amy Pershing join us to discuss our new collaboration, The Emotional Eating, Chronic Dieting, Binge Eating & Body Image Workbook; why the typical diet-culture response to emotional eating is unhelpful, and what to do instead; how to know if you’re a chronic dieter (as opposed to just a “healthy eater”); the ro…

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The one where Louise is moving house so it’s basically just Laura talking to herself… which is not uncommon! 30:00

2y ago30:00

30:00

Send us a text Have you ever had one of those days where you can't seem to keep it together? Misplacing your car keys, running late for the school run, or leaving your child behind in a supermarket can be some of the most frustrating experiences ever. But guess what? You're not alone! In this podcast episode, we're going to share some of our own ex…

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Feminist ADHD: An Exploration of Diagnosis, Medication, and Mental Health 1:01:07

2y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Send us a text Hey there, friend. Do you ever feel like your mind is running on overdrive, every thought a pinball bouncing off the walls of your brain? You're not alone—ADHD has been our co-pilot, steering us through a roller coaster of impulsivity, fleeting hobbies, and the ceaseless quest for novelty that marks our daily lives. We've battled the…

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ADHD Mums: Sisters in Chaos. Claire and Gen. 54:28

2y ago54:28

54:28

Send us a text Picture this - two friends, both living with ADHD, decide to launch a podcast. What follows is a beautiful chaos of shared experiences, candid conversations, and community building. Join us in this episode as we chat with Gen and Claire, co-hosts of the ADHD Mums podcast, a nurturing platform for all women navigating the ADHD journey…

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Unveiling the ADHD Journey: From Chaos to Clarity 1:02:54

2y ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Send us a text Exploring the Complexities of ADHD, Mental Health, and Empowerment Embark on a transformative journey of understanding, empathy, and enlightenment as we navigate the labyrinth of ADHD and mental health. Join me, Laura, along with Louise, a resilient mental health nurse who has defied the odds and embraced her ADHD diagnosis. In this …

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Nikki Wilson, CEO of Make Birth Better Foundation with her Beautiful Bouncy ADHD Brain 1:01:13

2y ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Send us a text This episode uncovers the story of the charismatic and inspiring Nikki Wilson, CEO of the Make Birth Better Foundation. We divulge Nikki's unique experiences living with ADHD, revealing the peaks and troughs that come with it and the often overlooked middle ground where most of the actual journey takes place. Throughout the episode, …

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The Intersection of Mental Health, Business and Social Media: Insights from Charlotte 58:57

2+ y ago58:57

58:57

Send us a text Ever felt the experience of being an outsider or battled with managing ADHD? Well, you're not alone. Our awe-inspiring guest, Charlotte, bravely shares her struggle with undiagnosed ADHD, the challenges of employment and her personal journey of self-exploration and acceptance after her diagnosis. She is now thriving in her coaching b…

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Body Repetitive Behaviors and Self-Soothing Techniques: Iffat Shaffiudian Talks to us About Yoga and ADHD. 1:13:12

2+ y ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Send us a text Navigating neurodivergence can feel like navigating uncharted territory. However, with understanding and acceptance, neurodivergent individuals can find a path that leads to surviving and thriving. This episode offers a compassionate exploration of ADHD and neurodivergence, focusing on the shared experiences that unite us and the pow…

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Have you ever cried in an interview? 1:08:32

2+ y ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Send us a text Get ready for a podcast episode that's anything but ordinary! Picture this: accidentally setting your best friend's wedding dress on fire. Yep, it happened to me! Don't worry, because this wild ride of an episode is packed with laughs and a touch of horror. We'll dive deep into the world of manifestations, anxiety, and the incredible…

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Rachel Walker: She is Thriving with ADHD 55:47

2+ y ago55:47

55:47

Send us a text Have you ever felt like something wasn't right, even when your life seemed to be objectively together? Our excellent guest, Rachel Walker, delves into the heart of this question. As a former primary school teacher with a successful academic career, Rachel candidly shares her journey leading up to her ADHD diagnosis. Her story is one …

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BPD? or ADHD?: Kelly Doran's Pathway to Self-Understanding. 59:41

2+ y ago59:41

59:41

Send us a text Have you ever felt misunderstood, dismissed, or questioned about a diagnosed condition? Meet Kelly Doran, who bravely challenged her initial Borderline Personality Disorder diagnosis and pursued an exploration into her past that led to a new understanding- ADHD. Her story underscores the crucial need for proof in diagnosis, thus plac…

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ADHD as Females: Laura and Dawn Explore their Route to Self-Acceptance 1:10:14

2+ y ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to navigate life when your brain is a Ferrari with bicycle brakes? Meet Laura and Dawn, co-hosts of the podcast ADHD as Females, who chronicle their journey through late ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Their podcast, a labour of love, has become a beacon of hope for people around the world, shedding light o…

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The Inspiring Story of an ADHD (Head of Midwifery)- Sophie Kelleway (pt,1) 1:14:43

2+ y ago1:14:43

1:14:43

Send us a text Ever wondered how a life with undiagnosed ADHD can influence a person's personal, academic, and career path? Let's meet Sophie, a midwife, whose journey with ADHD provides an inspiring insight into resilience, perseverance, and mental health. Sophie takes us back to her childhood, painting a vivid picture of her struggles in academic…

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A Journey Through ADHD and PMDD: Insights from Midwife Kirsty Hymers 1:21:08

2+ y ago1:21:08

1:21:08

Send us a text Wondering how premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and ADHD intertwine? Imagine being a midwife with an undercurrent of undiagnosed ADHD. Join us for an insightful conversation with Kirsty, a seasoned midwife who bravely shares her journey navigating these challenges. Listen as she reveals her battles with intense bouts of anxiety …

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Are You Looking for Support with Intuitive Eating? New Course Enrolling Now! 3:20

2+ y ago3:20

3:20

Hey there! It’s been a minute, but I wanted to pop in and let you know that my Intuitive Eating Fundamentals course is enrolling a new cohort now. I designed the course for anyone who wants to give up dieting, make peace with food, and see what life is like without diet culture in charge. The course normally has open enrollment, but if you join now…

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Roxanne's Resilience: Balancing ADHD, Parenthood and Emotions 1:19:44

2+ y ago1:19:44

1:19:44

Send us a text From the trenches of navigating complex emotions to the triumphs and missteps of parenting with ADHD - this chapter of our podcast unfolds with the raw and relatable stories of Roxanne, a woman of strength, resilience, and tenacity. Diagnosed with ADHD at 32, Roxannes's journey is not all rainbows and sunshine. She endured the long a…

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Amy Jayne Needham: A Tale of ADHD, Career Success, and One Handed Clapping 1:09:12

2+ y ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Send us a text Get ready to be inspired by the story of Amy Jayne Needham, a woman who has overcome the challenges of her ADHD to excel in her career and personal life. Amy shares her journey of growing up with ADHD, which included moments of disruption and energetic behaviour but also showcased her intelligence. Amy walks us through her daily life…