In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, we are joined by Mary Elizabeth Akinaka, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Supervisor (CEDS-S). As the Regional Executive Director at Alsana Treatment Center, Mary Elizabeth shares her own journey of recovering from an eating disorder, embracing body acceptance, and reclaiming her life in a larger body. Her candid reflections on self-compassion, therapy, and rejecting societal standards provide valuable insight for anyone navigating recovery or struggling with body image issues.

Key Themes and Insights from the Episode:

Mary Elizabeth’s Personal Recovery Journey
Mary Elizabeth opens up about her experience with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, and the emotional and physical toll it took on her life. She shares the pivotal moment when she said "f this" to restrictive dieting and decided to fully participate in life. Her journey to recovery is a testament to the power of therapy, community, and making intentional choices for healing

Shifting from Chronic Dieting to Full Participation in Life**
Diet culture is often centered on shrinking our bodies and controlling our food intake. Mary Elizabeth reflects on how she moved away from chronic dieting and embraced a life of fullness and joy—one that’s no longer dictated by food rules. She encourages listeners to step away from the diet mindset and focus on living a meaningful, purposeful life.

Learning to Accept a Larger Body Size in a Thin-Centric World
One of the most powerful parts of the interview is Mary Elizabeth’s discussion about body acceptance in a larger body, especially when the world is often unkind to those who don’t fit the societal ideal of thinness. She talks about the challenges of learning to love and accept her body, even when external validation was lacking, and how therapy, community support, and self-compassion played critical roles in this process.

The Role of Therapy and Community in Recovery
Therapy was a crucial part of Mary Elizabeth's recovery, helping her shift her mindset from self-criticism to self-compassion. She also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community that fosters self-acceptance, rather than perpetuates harmful diet culture.

The Power of Self-Compassion and Intentional Choices
Throughout the episode, Mary Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in the recovery journey. She explains how being kind to herself and practicing self-care allowed her to heal not only her relationship with food but also with her body. By making intentional choices rooted in self-love, she was able to reclaim her sense of worth and identity.


Episode Highlights:
- Personal Eating Disorder Recovery: M

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In this episode of the *Full and Thriving* podcast, we’re joined by Shannon Wynn Dube, therapist and founder of Trauma Dump LLC, to explore the deeply-rooted *Fear of Rejection*. Shannon shares her personal story of how her upbringing led her to self-rejection, becoming a chronic people-pleaser, and ultimately abandoning her true self in an effort to feel safe in the world. Together, we break down how attachment styles influence the fear of rejection and how you can start healing from relational trauma.

Episode Highlights:
- Shannon's Journey to Self-Acceptance: Shannon opens up about her upbringing and how it shaped her fear of rejection. She discusses how the need for approval and acceptance led her to fawn and people-please as a way to avoid rejection and stay safe, while unknowingly abandoning her true self.

- Understanding Attachment Styles: We dive into how attachment styles—whether anxious, avoidant, or secure—play a significant role in shaping the fear of rejection. Learn how your attachment style may influence your interactions with others and fuel the need for external validation.

- Fear of Rejection vs. Rejection Sensitivity: What’s the difference? We break down the distinction between a general fear of rejection and rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened emotional response to perceived or actual rejection.

- The Role of Therapy in Trauma Work: Shannon emphasizes the importance of therapy when doing trauma work, especially when it comes to addressing deep-rooted fears like rejection. We discuss how working with a skilled therapist can help you confront relational trauma and begin the healing process.

- Healing Through Healthy Relationships: Healthy relationships are crucial for overcoming the fear of rejection. We talk about how finding supportive, understanding relationships can aid in healing relational trauma and building a foundation of self-worth.

- Bonus Segment: Passion for Cheesecake Factory: Stick around for a fun bonus segment where Shannon and Meg share their love for The Cheesecake Factory!

Connect with Shannon Wynn Dube:
- Instagram: @TraumaDumpCT
- Website: traumadump.com

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In this compelling episode of the Full and Thriving Podcast, Meg sits down with Mallory Paige, RD, to delve into a deeply personal journey of overcoming wellness obsession. Mallory opens up about how her intense focus on wellness during college was intertwined with her identity and desire for control, and how it ultimately led to a mental breakdown that catalyzed a profound shift in her perspective on health.

Episode Highlights:

Personal Struggles with Wellness Obsession Mallory shares her story of how an obsession with wellness and control became a central part of her identity, and the impact this had on her mental and emotional well-being.

- The Path to Healing: Discover how Mallory's mental breakdown prompted her to re-evaluate her approach to health and wellness. She discusses the crucial role therapy played in her recovery and the importance of learning to be flexible with her wellness practices.

- Listening to Intuition Mallory emphasizes the significance of tuning into your intuition around food and life. She provides practical advice on how to cultivate a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and personal well-being.

- The Role of Therapy: Explore the benefits of therapy in addressing and overcoming wellness obsession, and how it can aid in developing a more holistic approach to health.

This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone grappling with wellness obsession and seeking to break free from restrictive health norms. Mallory’s story is both inspiring and educational, providing listeners with tools to foster a more intuitive and flexible approach to wellness.

Connect with Mallory Paige:
- Instagram: @malloryjpage on Instagram
- Website: https://liveunrestricted.org

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences on social media using #FullAndThrivingPodcast. Connect with Meg and Mallory to continue the dialogue on challenging wellness obsessions and embracing a balanced approach to health.

Subscribe and Review: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the Full and Thriving Podcast and leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your preferred platform]. Your feedback helps us continue to provide valuable content.

Tune in now to hear Mallory Paige’s transformative journey and learn how to break free from wellness obsession!

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New Full and Thriving YouTube Channel:
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In this transformative episode of *Full and Thriving*, we are joined by the incredible Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, PhD, LCSW, CEDS, CIAYT, a renowned expert in somatic recovery and eating disorder treatment. Dr. Ann brings her wealth of knowledge to the conversation, sharing her unique approach to helping clients reconnect with their bodies through interoception—a method that involves tuning into your body's internal signals and sensations.

Key Takeaways:
- The Journey of Reconnection: Dr. Ann discusses the step-by-step process of helping her clients reconnect with their bodies. By starting from the outside and working inward, clients learn to observe, listen to, and honor their bodies.
- Power of Observation:Learn the power of observing how you carry yourself in the world and asking the vital question: *What do you notice happening within your body?*
- Interoception and Body Awareness: Discover how interoception builds body awareness and can play a significant role in eating disorder recovery and overall mental wellness.
- Somatic Recovery: Dr. Ann delves into somatic recovery and explains why healing through the body creates a safe space for addressing emotional aspects of recovery.

Whether you're on a personal recovery journey or a professional working in the field of mental health, this episode is filled with actionable insights into the importance of befriending your body.
Tune in to learn:
- The role of interoception in healing
- How body awareness is key to recovery
- Why somatic approaches are crucial for emotional safety in recovery

Listen to this episode now and start building a deeper relationship with your body!

### Episode Resources:
- Learn more about Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti and her work at https://www.anembodiedlife.com/
- Grab Dr. Ann's book, "Befriending Your Body: A Self-Compassionate Approach to Freeing Yourself from Disordered Eating."
-Join Dr. Saffi's program: https://www.befriendingyourbodyprogram.com/

**Keywords**: body awareness, interoception, somatic recovery, eating disorder treatment, Dr. Ann Saffi Biasetti, befriending your body, emotional healing, Full and Thriving podcast.

Meg's website:
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New Full and Thriving YouTube Channel:
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Sign up for a free 1:1 coaching consultation with Meg
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Download and Listen to these free 200 eating disorder recovery affirmations: megmccabe.lpages.co/200-recovery-affirmations/

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Welcome to a powerful episode of the Full and Thriving Podcast! In this episode, Meg is joined by Brittany Lauro, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor at Equip, to discuss a critical issue within fitness culture—eating disorders and disordered exercise. Brittany brings her unique perspective as a former fitness instructor to explore how these issues manifest in gym settings and what can be done to address them.

Episode Highlights:

-Fitness Culture and Eating Disorders: Brittany shares her experiences from her time as a fitness instructor, shedding light on the prevalence of disordered eating and excessive exercise within the fitness industry.

- Identifying the Signs* Learn how to spot signs of eating disorders and disordered exercise in gym environments and among friends. Brittany provides practical advice on recognizing harmful behaviors and what steps can be taken to help those struggling.

- Harmful Fitness Mentalities: We dive into problematic fitness mentalities such as the "Burn to Earn" mentality, where exercise is used as a way to justify eating, and the "No Days Off" mindset. Brittany discusses how these attitudes contribute to unhealthy behaviors and the impact they have on individuals.

- Trends and Influence: Explore current trends in fitness culture and how they relate to eating disorders and disordered exercise. Brittany also reflects on the impact of the reality show *The Biggest Loser* and its harmful effects on fitness culture during the 2000s.

- Role of Fitness Professionals: Discover what fitness professionals can do to support their clients and promote a healthier, more balanced approach to fitness and well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in fitness, whether as a participant or professional, and for those looking to understand and address disordered eating and exercise behaviors.

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on social media using #FullAndThrivingPodcast. Connect with Meg and Brittany to discuss the issues and solutions surrounding eating disorders in fitness culture.

Subscribe and Review: If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe to the Full and Thriving Podcast and leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your preferred platform]. Your feedback helps us continue to bring valuable content to our listeners!

Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of eating disorders in the gym and learn how you can make a positive impact in the fitness community! Learn more about Equip and how to receive virtual recovery support: https://equip.health/

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Welcome to a special solo episode of the Full and Thriving Podcast with Meg! In this insightful episode, Meg delves into the challenges of making adult friends and forging new connections. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about navigating social situations as an adult, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding the Challenge: Meg sheds light on why forming adult friendships can be particularly tough and explores the emotional and psychological barriers that often get in the way.

- Mindset Matters: Discover how your mindset influences your social interactions, including the impact of inner thoughts and the role of perfectionism in hindering authentic connections.

- Building Genuine Connections: Learn how adopting certain strategies can help you foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. Meg discusses the importance of being present and curious, and how these approaches can transform your social experiences.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you overcome social hurdles and build stronger, more fulfilling friendships. To get the full scoop and actionable tips, be sure to tune in!

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences on social media using #FullAndThrivingPodcast. Connect with Meg and the Full and Thriving community to continue the discussion about making meaningful connections in adulthood.

Subscribe and Review:Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to the Full and Thriving Podcast and leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your preferred platform]. Your support helps us create more valuable content for you!

Don’t miss out on these transformative insights—listen now and start enhancing your adult friendships today!

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In this episode of Full and Thriving, we welcome special guest Lily Thrope, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Thrope Therapy. Lily specializes in helping individuals heal eating disorders and body image issues, taking a compassionate and authentic approach.

Episode Highlights:
- How to break free from the cycle of constant striving and never feeling like enough.
- The importance of body acceptance and therapy in mental health and well-being.
- Strategies to combat burnout and the importance of meeting your own needs
- Practical tips to feel “enough” without overworking or overextending yourself.
-Embracing the need to slow down in a fast paced world.



Key Takeaways:
1. Body Acceptance: Learn how to embrace your body with compassion and let go of the unrealistic standards set by society.
2. Healing Burnout: Understand the importance of slowing down and meeting your own needs
3. Embracing community: Discover how community helped heal Lily’s relationship with dieting and constant striving.

Resources Mentioned:
Lily Thrope's Website: https://thropetherapy.com
Lily’s Instagram: @thropetherapylcsw
Email: lily@thropetherapy.com

Connect with Us:
Don’t miss out on future episodes where we dive deep into topics that support your mental health and well-being. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Meg's website:
www.meg-mccabe.com

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New Full and Thriving YouTube Channel:
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Sign up for a free 1:1 coaching consultation with Meg
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Download and Listen to these free 200 eating disorder recovery affirmations: megmccabe.lpages.co/200-recovery-affirmations/

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In this powerful episode of the *Full and Thriving* podcast, we’re joined by Vally Ann, a transformational coach who shares her deeply personal story of overcoming adversity and breaking free from the victim mentality. Titled *"Mastering Inner Resilience: It’s Not All Toughness and Grit,"* this episode explores Vally’s journey through loss, pain, and ultimately, healing—showing us that resilience is about much more than endurance.

Episode Highlights:
- A Journey Through Adversity: Vally Ann opens up about the difficult period in her life when her business dissolved and her father passed away during the COVID pandemic. She shares how these events brought her to a breaking point, but also became the catalyst for a transformative shift in her life.

- Living in Victim Mentality: Vally describes how she initially fell into a victim mindset, feeling powerless and stuck in her circumstances.

- Breaking Free by Meeting Yourself Where You Are: Vally reveals how she was able to break free from the victim mentality by embracing self-acceptance. Instead of striving or pushing through her pain, she learned to meet herself where she was at, letting go of ego and reconnecting with her inner joy.

- Redefining Resilience: Vally challenges the traditional view of resilience as “toughness” or “grit.” She explains how true resilience is about embracing self-compassion, casting aside societal expectations, and defining your own worth based on inner fulfillment, rather than external achievements.

- Self-Acceptance and Worth: We explore how resilience is rooted in self-acceptance and the ability to define your worth outside of societal pressures. Vally shares strategies for cultivating a sense of worth and confidence that comes from within.

- Finding Joy in the Midst of Pain: Vally’s story is a testament to the power of reconnecting with joy, even in the darkest of times. She explains how finding moments of joy and gratitude helped her heal and regain her inner strength.


Connect with Vally Ann:
Website: https://www.vallyannco.com
Instagram: @VallyAnnCo



Subscribe & Leave a Review:
If you found this episode inspiring, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review for the *Full and Thriving* podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more people looking to transform their lives and build resilience.

Meg's website:
www.meg-mccabe.com

Meg's Instagram:
www.instagram.com/meg_mccabe/

New Full and Thriving YouTube Channel:
https://bit.ly/3V6reYx

Sign up for a free 1:1 coaching consultation with Meg
http://bit.ly/3A1Cw5r

Download and Listen to these free 200 eating disorder recovery affirmations: megmccabe.lpages.co/200-recovery-affirmations/

Grab your Full and Thriving Merch!!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RecoveryCollective

The Recovery Collective Instagram:
www.instagram.com/the_recoverycollective/

Watch and Subscribe to The Meg and Anne-Claire Show
https://bit.ly/3cdHfIx