Episode 008

Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici)

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a clinical psychologist and globally respected expert on eating disorders and DBT. Dr. Federici challenges the common assumption that body image naturally improves after weight restoration, explaining that for many people, body disturbance isn't a "lag" but a core neurobiological feature of eating disorders rooted in sensory and perceptual differences. The conversation explores the distinction between body dysmorphia and negative body image, the power of validation as a "safety signal," and practical communication strategies for caregivers—including Dr. Federici's four-step framework: validate what makes sense, reinforce adaptive behavior, invite rather than impose help, and offer sensory-based coping tools. Drawing parallels to how clinicians treat psychosis and dementia, Dr. Federici makes a compelling case for believing patients' lived experiences rather than dismissing them. This episode offers caregivers both scientific grounding and practical hope for supporting loved ones through the often-misunderstood struggles of living in their "earth suit."

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:02 Meet Dr. Anita Federici: 25 Years in the Eating Disorders Field

06:30 The Body Image "Lag": Why It May Not Be a Lag at All

14:36 Validation as a Safety Signal

17:39 Body Dysmorphia vs. Negative Body Image: The "Earth Suit"

24:27 Normal Body Dissatisfaction vs. Warning Signs

30:35 What to Say: The "You Make Sense" Conversation

41:33 Hair on Fire: Sensory Tools During Acute Treatment

44:47 Lessons from Treating Psychosis and Dementia

50:01 A Message of Hope: Start Where You Are

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.

Workshop 8 (Sunday – December 21, 2025)

What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say

Led by Dr. Anita Federici

Bio:

Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, emotion regulation challenges, and trauma. A sought-after international trainer, consultant, and researcher, she is also co-author of Treating Eating Disorders with DBT: The MED-DBT Protocol (Guilford Press, 2024) https://www.guilford.com/books/Treating-Eating-Disorders-with-DBT/Federici-Wisniewski/9781462558483?srsltid=AfmBOooqJiiIH63_128Czz7N-n3W5tZvzP_8I5o5mOPsw0JhVuQN5PAZ

Episode 007

The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the often overlooked role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery with special guest Kevin Dunn. Kevin, a seasoned volunteer and the Director of Family Mentorship at Equip, shares insights from his eight-year journey supporting his daughter through an eating disorder. The conversation covers the emotional challenges men face, the importance of humility, validation, distress tolerance, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kevin emphasizes the need for male caregivers to be present, practice active listening, and collaborate openly with other caregivers. This episode aims to shed light on how inclusive caregiving can enhance recovery outcomes and the unique strengths men bring to the table.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:02 Meet Kevin Dunn: From Caregiver to Men of FEAST Founder

04:01 Kevin's Personal Story: A Daughter's Diagnosis at Age 8

10:55 The Birth of Men of FEAST

14:56 Creating a Safe Space for Male Caregivers

18:16 Why Male Voices Matter in Recovery

22:26 Getting Aligned as a Team: "Same Bookstore, Not Same Page"

27:29 Essential Skills: Humility, Acceptance, and Validation

42:58 Baby Steps for Dads: Be Present, Be Available, Listen

51:18 Silver Linings and a Message of Hope

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

Men of FEAST:

https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Episode 006

Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery.

Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:14 The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder

04:13 Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently

05:01 Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses

08:52 Navigating Challenging Family Conversations

15:30 Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans"

19:35 Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions

25:45 Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary

30:12 Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible

33:58 Closing and Preview of Next Episode

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Resources:

Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcast

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/

Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder.

FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.

There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series:

Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UK

Led by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director

Other resources:

• Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinar
• The Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna

Episode 005

The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy Krasna

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura sit down with a very special guest: Judy Krasna, the Executive Director of FEAST. Judy shares her powerful personal journey from finding FEAST as a parent in Israel to leading FEAST as a global organization. She discusses the core mission of FEAST—parents helping parents—and what makes its community so unique.

The episode covers the vital role of volunteers, key resources for new families like 'FEAST 30 Days' and the 'Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and a message of hope that recovery is possible and parents are not to blame.

00:10 Introduction to the Podcast

01:02 Welcoming Judy Krasna, Executive Director of FEAST

01:41 Judy's Personal Journey: From Parent to Executive Director

03:42 The Mission and Values of FEAST: Parents Helping Parents

05:23 What Makes the FEAST Community Special?

07:05 Clarifying Misconceptions about FEAST: All Ages and Treatment Types

08:53 The Heart and Soul of FEAST: The Volunteers

11:10 Where to Start: FEAST 30 Days & The Caregiver Skills Toolkit

15:07 Judy's Biggest Hope for Families: Feeling Less Alone

16:44 Key Advice for New Parents: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

19:13 Common Threads: The Universal Caregiver Experience

22:34 The Reality of Caregiver Self-Care

25:25 The Future of FEAST: Opportunities and Challenges

28:31 How Listeners Can Support FEAST's Mission

30:44 A Personal Story Illustrating the Heart of the Community

33:35 Final Message: Hope, Recovery, and You Are Not to Blame

35:53 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

BIO - JUDY KRASNA

Judy Krasna has been involved in the eating disorders space as a parent advocate and an expert by experience for over 15 years. She was an active volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a staunch advocate for incorporating lived experience into research and treatment. After serving on the F.E.A.S.T. Board of Directors and taking on multiple volunteer roles within the organization, Judy stepped into the position of F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director in early 2021. Judy is passionate about helping families of people with eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life after a fierce and prolonged battle with anorexia.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

FEAST flyer:

https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

Resources:

FEAST 30 Days

FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit

Around the Dinner Table Forum

Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group

Become a Parent Support Volunteer at F.E.A.S.T.

Episode 004

A Roadmap to Key F.E.A.S.T. Resources

In this episode of 'The Other Side of the Plate,' host Jenni Gaines provides an in-depth look at crucial resources offered by FEAST, an organization dedicated to supporting families dealing with eating disorders. The episode covers educational programs such as the 'FEAST 30 Days' program, the 'FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and the 'Family Guide series,' which provide vital information on managing eating disorders. Jenni also highlights peer support options like caregiver and sibling support groups as well as the 'Men of FEASTt' community for male caregivers. The episode aims to offer caregivers actionable insights, emotional support, and a sense of community, emphasizing that they are not alone in their journey.

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Jenny's Personal Journey and Key Resources

03:16 FEAST 30 Days Program

08:20 Caregiver Skills Toolkit

12:57 Family Guide Series

15:21 Peer Support Resources

18:57 Online Communities and Email Support

22:59 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST website:

https://feast-ed.org/

Resources:

FEAST 30 Days

FEAST 30 Days - Spanish

FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit

Using Leverage: A Guide To Promoting Compliance And Striking A Balance Between Compassion And Limits In Eating Disorder Treatment

Getting Started with Refeeding: A Guide to Moving Forward When You’re Not Sure What Comes Next

Caregiver & Sibling Support Group - F.E.A.S.T.

Men of FEAST

Around the Dinner Table Forum

Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group

Email Support:

parentsupport@feast-ed.org

Episode 003

What to Tell Family and Friends About Your Loved One's Eating Disorder

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the complex topic of how to inform family and friends about a loved one’s eating disorder diagnosis. Drawing from their personal experiences, they outline the pros and cons of sharing the diagnosis, setting boundaries, and managing privacy versus support needs. The hosts also provide practical suggestions for navigating these conversations and emphasize the importance of finding supportive communities. They conclude by reminding listeners that eating disorders are treatable and that they are not alone in this journey.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:05 Navigating the Diagnosis: What to Tell Family and Friends

03:50 Pros and Cons of Sharing the Diagnosis

06:58 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

09:49 Setting Boundaries and Asking for Support

21:56 Cultural Considerations and Finding Support

26:01 Returning to School: Preparing Your Child

28:17 Final Thoughts and Resources

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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FEAST 30 Days - F.E.A.S.T.

ATDTfb - Eating Disorder Family and Carer Support | Facebook

F.E.A.S.T's Around The Dinner Table forum

Caregiver & Sibling Support Group - F.E.A.S.T.

Men of FEAST - F.E.A.S.T.

Episode 002

Food is Medicine in Eating Disorder Recovery

In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura delve into the crucial role of nutrition in the recovery from eating disorders. As caregivers with lived experience, they highlight the importance of viewing food as literal medicine for those in recovery. They address common misconceptions, the need for high calorie intake, the impact of starvation on the brain, and how caregivers can support their loved ones. The episode also explores how to communicate effectively with loved ones about food and the significance of stopping other activities until proper eating is established.

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Episode Topic: Food Is Medicine

01:48 Understanding the Food as Medicine Concept in Recovery

02:48 Challenges and Misconceptions About Nutrition

07:14 The Importance of All Foods in Recovery

15:05 Practical Tips for Caregivers

24:49 Life Stops Until You Eat

29:28 Personal Experiences and Final Thoughts

34:14 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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We Only Eat Healthy Foods In Our House - F.E.A.S.T.

FEAST 30 Days - F.E.A.S.T.

Getting Started with Refeeding: A Guide to Moving Forward When You’re Not Sure What Comes Next

Up to the Plate: A FEAST Family Guide to the Importance of Nutrition for Understanding and Treating Eating Disorders

001 - Where to Start: Recognizing and Responding to Your Child’s Eating Disorder

In this inaugural episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura introduce the new F.E.A.S.T. podcast aimed at helping parents and caregivers navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of eating disorder caregiving. Both hosts share their personal experiences as mothers who supported their children through eating disorders; they discuss recognizing the signs of eating disorders, the importance of early intervention, and the initial steps parents can take once they suspect their child may have an eating disorder. The episode stresses the importance of trusting parental instincts, seeking proper medical assessment, and obtaining reliable information and support from trusted resources like F.E.A.S.T. The discussion also touches on the crucial role of nutrition in treatment, how to deal with the shock of diagnosis, and the vital importance of parent involvement in the treatment process.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:03 Meet the Hosts: Jenni and Laura

02:26 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder

04:17 Personal Stories and Early Signs

14:30 Medical Advice and Pediatrician Visits

21:38 Emergency Situations and Resources

22:47 Importance of Medical Assessments

28:13 Key Questions for Parents

29:29 Understanding Safe School Attendance

30:49 Balancing Physical Activity and Eating Disorders

33:13 The Emotional Impact of Eating Disorders

36:20 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder

44:56 The Importance of Nutritional Rehabilitation

48:36 The Role of Parents in Treatment

52:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

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AED’s Guide to Medical Care of Eating Disorders

AED’s Emergency Room Guide

FEAST 30 Days

What Constitutes Good Medical Care for Pediatric Eating Disorders? (FEAST Webinar July 2025)

What Does Good Medical Care Look LIke? A Guide for Parents of Children with Eating Disorders (FEAST Webinar Slides July 2025)

Around the Dinner Table Forum

Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group

► Learn more on the F.E.A.S.T. website:

https://feast-ed.org

► Connect with our supportive parent community forum:

https://feast-ed.org/forum/

► Follow F.E.A.S.T. on Social Media:

https://feast–ed.org/linkinbio/