What if recovery didn’t have to be perfect to be real? We’re joined by author Johanna Scoglio, whose new memoir, When the Water Still Holds Me: Letters Through the Tides of a Long-Term Eating Disorder, opens a candid window into life with a long-term eating disorder and the everyday courage it takes to heal. Johanna shares how shame kept her silent for years, how harm reduction and values-based choices gave her traction, and why support that sits beside you beats pressure that pushes. The story of Friday pizza nights leading to pizza in Italy reveals a practical, compassionate path: small exposures, steady presence, and a focus on what matters most.We dig into the myths that stall progress, like the idea that recovery must be symptom-free to count, and talk about creating definitions that fit real lives. Johanna speaks directly to loved ones about grieving the recovery story they imagined, then walking alongside with patience and flexibility. She also offers a thoughtful guide for teachers and coaches whose words shape how young people see food, bodies, and effort. From ditching “healthy vs unhealthy” lessons to normalizing rest and fueling, her advice shows how small shifts in language and modeling can change trajectories.For clinicians, Johanna highlights collaboration, autonomy, and the power of slowing down with clients on long journeys. She reflects on the unconditional hope that kept her moving and introduces A Dragonfly’s Dream, her peer-led nonprofit for adults navigating recurring or long-term eating disorders. The dragonfly, born in the dark, transformed in light, honors her grandmother and the quiet resilience many carry. If you’ve ever felt “too late” to heal, this conversation offers a different compass: define your why, take kinder steps, and let community hold you steady. Liked what you heard? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Show notes:

Trigger warning: this show is not medical, nutrition, or mental health treatment and is not a replacement for meeting with a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Mental Health Provider, or any other medical provider. You can find resources for how to find a provider, as well as crisis resources, in the show notes. Listener discretion is advised.

Resource links:

ANAD: https://anad.org/

NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

NAMI: https://nami.org/home

Action Alliance: https://theactionalliance.org/

NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

How to find a provider:

https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

https://www.healthprofs.com/us/nutritionists-dietitians?tr=Hdr_Brand

Suicide & crisis awareness hotline: call 988 (available 24/7)

Eating Disorder hotline: call or text 800-931-2237 (Phone line is available Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm ET and Friday 11 am-5 pm ET; text line is available Monday-Thursday 3-6 pm ET and Friday 1-5 pm ET)

If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

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