Food Shrinks
Welcome to Food Shrinks, where your hosts— Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab - offer candid, compassionate conversations about the realities of food addiction, recovery, and finding freedom with food. In each episode, we dive deep into the challenges people face in their relationship with food, share what we’ve discovered through years of clinical experience, and provide practical tools to help you along your journey. This isn’t just expert advice—it’s real talk among friends. We believe in navigating recovery with honesty, self-compassion, and empowerment, while acknowledging that healing is rarely a straight line. Whether you’re working through diet trauma, learning to trust yourself with food again, or figuring out what eating approach feels right for you, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Tune in for heartfelt conversations, actionable insights, and a safe space to explore what recovery looks like—for you.
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Episode 32: You Do Not Owe the World a Smaller Body
06/03/2025
Episode 32: You Do Not Owe the World a Smaller Body
In this unapologetically honest and deeply validating conversation, the Food Shrinks crew dives into one of the hottest topics in food addiction recovery: weight as a false measure of success. Why do some professionals in the recovery field still equate smaller bodies with deeper healing? And what happens when people in larger bodies feel excluded—even when they're abstinent and thriving? Molly, Clarissa, and MP break down the damaging impact of internalized weight stigma, explore why body size is not a clinical marker of recovery, and call out harmful assumptions that show up even in professional spaces. They share real stories from their Sweet Sobriety groups, challenge toxic cultural messaging, and reclaim the right to define recovery on your own terms. Whether you're in a larger body, a smaller one, or still figuring things out—this episode is a must-listen. 💬 Topics We Cover: Why weight is not and has never been a reliable recovery metric The harmful myth of the “right-sized” recovery body How professionals perpetuate weight stigma (even unintentionally) What it means to define your own recovery The danger of unprompted weight commentary from practitioners Recovery at every size: nuance, metabolism, and lived experience Why shame, not weight, is often the real barrier to healing The difference between health at every size and health at a lot of sizes How to protect your recovery from body-based judgment 🧠 Mic Drop Moments: “Judging recovery by weight loss is like judging a house fire victim by how quickly they redecorated.” “You do not owe the world an aesthetically pleasing body.” “One person doesn’t get to decide what recovery looks like for someone else.” 📬 Have a Question or Topic You Want Us to Cover? Email us at [email protected] We’d love to hear from you! 💖 Help Us Spread the Word: If this episode spoke to you, please take 30 seconds to: Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating or review Share it with a friend or recovery group Every share supports our mission to bring truth without shame to the food addiction recovery world. Thank you! The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 31: The Healing You’re Avoiding - Why Group Work Changes Everything
05/27/2025
Episode 31: The Healing You’re Avoiding - Why Group Work Changes Everything
In this spontaneous and heart-forward episode, Molly C., Clarissa, and Molly P. crack open the resistance so many of us feel toward group work, and why that resistance might be precisely the sign we need more connection, not less. Together, the trio explores why group healing matters, how co-regulation works, and what it means to feel seen, safe, and mirrored in community. From AA meetings to clinical groups to retreats full of “I-don’t-do-group” folks turned soul sisters, they share raw stories about belonging, shame, and the life-changing magic of not doing recovery alone. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t do groups,” this one’s for you. What We Talk About in This Episode: 🌀 Why so many people resist group work—and what’s underneath that 🧠 The neuroscience of co-regulation and how groups help our nervous systems 💔 The loneliness epidemic and why isolation fuels addiction ✨ The healing power of being seen, heard, and mirrored 🙅♀️ How “my problems aren’t that bad” is a symptom of chronic invalidation 🐀 Rat Park, connection, and the real root of addiction 💬 Group doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about Sweet Sobriety and upcoming groups: 📬 Get updates and free resources: and 📲 Rate, review, and share this episode—it helps more than you know! Join the Conversation: 💌 Have a topic you want us to cover? Send us a note at [email protected] The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 30: GLP-1s in Food Addiction Recovery: Game-Changer or Controversy?
05/20/2025
Episode 30: GLP-1s in Food Addiction Recovery: Game-Changer or Controversy?
The Food Shrinks are back with a spicy, heartfelt conversation about one of the most polarizing tools in the recovery world right now—GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy). In this episode, they tackle the growing buzz (and backlash) around these drugs in eating disorder and food addiction spaces. Are GLP-1s a betrayal of “real” recovery, or can they be a supportive tool for healing? The hosts spill some behind-the-scenes tea, share their personal and clinical experiences, and ask hard questions: Who gets to decide what recovery looks like? Why is there so much shame around using medication? And what if we stopped gatekeeping tools that might help? If you're curious about how GLP-1s fit into a trauma-informed, shame-free approach to food addiction recovery, this episode is for you. In This Episode: • Why the GLP-1 debate is heating up in the recovery world • The team’s take on healing vs. weight loss goals • The difference between fear-based gatekeeping and client-centered care • What should recovery support look like when trying a new tool • The power of expanding your window of tolerance • Why we need to make room for nuance, autonomy, and compassion Key Quote: "If a medication helps someone quiet the noise long enough to heal—why wouldn’t we support that?" Resources & Support: 💻 to learn more about group programs and 1:1 coaching with Molly and Clarissa. 💻 Book a 📧 Thinking about GLP-1s or bariatric surgery? Schedule a consultation with a coach who gets it. If this episode resonated with you: ✔️ Subscribe ⭐ Rate & Review 📤 Share it with a friend who's curious about GLP-1s or exploring recovery options The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 29: “Chronic Relapser”? Don’t Talk About My Friend Like That
05/13/2025
Episode 29: “Chronic Relapser”? Don’t Talk About My Friend Like That
In this compelling episode, the Food Shrinks team tackles one of the most used—and deeply harmful—labels in recovery spaces: “chronic relapser.” With both fire and tenderness, the Shrinks dismantle this shame-based term and offer a new way to understand recurrence through the lens of chronic ambivalence, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care. You’ll hear why language matters, how shame can block healing, and why we must stop reducing people to their most painful patterns. Instead, the team explores what it means to stay curious, build emotional safety, and make your recovery as big as your disease. Whether you’ve struggled with “starting over” or have judged yourself harshly for returning to food, this episode will offer relief, insight, and a powerful reframe. 🔑 Topics We Cover: Why “chronic relapser” is a harmful, moralizing label The power of reframing: from chronic relapse to chronic ambivalence Understanding recurrence as part of a chronic condition The trap of perfectionism and diet culture in recovery How confirmation bias reinforces addiction When you’ve “tried everything” but nothing sticks Recovery as practice—not performance Why your recovery must be as big as your disorder Meeting recurrence with curiosity, not shame 💬 Quotes Worth Sharing: “Please don’t say that about my friend.” “Chronic ambivalence is a sign of your complexity—not your failure.” “Your addiction doesn’t get a seat at the table if you want to build traction in recovery.” “One bad moment doesn’t define your recovery. It’s just a single patch in the quilt.” “You haven’t failed. You’re still practicing. You’re still learning.” 🛎️ Call to Action: Love what we’re doing on Food Shrinks? Do us a big favor: 📱 Subscribe ⭐ Leave a rating 💬 Drop a comment 🧡 Share with someone who needs to hear this! Your support helps us grow—and helps others find compassionate, shame-free recovery conversations. 📢 Follow Us: 📽 YouTube: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 28: Let’s Talk About Volume
05/06/2025
Episode 28: Let’s Talk About Volume
In this deeply honest and layered conversation, The Food Shrinks—Clarissa Kennedy, Molly Carmel, and Molly Painschab— dive into one of the most misunderstood and rarely talked-about experiences in food addiction recovery: volume of whole foods in food addiction recovery. What begins as a casual check-in quickly becomes a masterclass on the biological, psychological, and emotional roots of overeating. 🔍 What you’ll learn: 🌸Volume addiction might be harder to heal from than sugar and flour because it’s not just about what you eat, but how much and why. 🌸For many, volume eating is a trauma response—a way to regulate a dysregulated nervous system, not just a habit or lack of willpower. 🌸Physiological shifts like stretch-blunted stomachs, serotonin imbalances, and leptin resistance play a massive role in satiety and fullness signals. 🌸There’s no one-size-fits-all solution: healing involves patience, interoceptive awareness, nervous system work, and sometimes nutritional supplementation. 🌸And above all? It's about slowing down, getting curious, and giving ourselves the grace to find our unique path to peace. Whether you identify with volume struggles or you're just learning about this facet of food addiction, this episode offers deep validation, practical insights, and hope. 🔗 Mentioned: 🌸 Sweet Sobriety Foundations Program 🌸 Breaking Up with Sugar 🌸 Sacred Immersion Retreat (June 20–22 in Stamford, CT) email [email protected] 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 27: Help, I Posted on TikTok and Now I Need Therapy!
04/29/2025
Episode 27: Help, I Posted on TikTok and Now I Need Therapy!
In this vulnerable and fiery episode, the Shrinks crack open a raw conversation about what happens when you dare to speak your truth in a world that’s not always ready to hear it. Molly C. shares the emotional fallout of going viral on TikTok — and getting slammed for it. What started as a conversation about food boundaries quickly turned into a deep dive on childhood bullying, impostor syndrome, clinical appeasement, and the gut-punch of online criticism. The shrinks hold space for one another while exploring big themes: Why it’s so hard not to dim your light when people don’t agree with you The survival response of people-pleasing and self-abandonment The spiritual test of standing in your truth, even when it’s unpopular How neglect and injustice can activate rage that feels bigger than the moment How to protect your nervous system (and your purpose) in a noisy, opinionated world If you’ve ever questioned your right to speak up, struggled with self-doubt after rejection, or felt the inner war between being palatable and being powerful — this one’s for you. Oh, and there’s also dating drama, a story about unmatching on Hinge, and a rallying cry to all the kids who once felt like they didn’t belong. (Spoiler: You do.) 💬 Favorite Quote: "There is no rage so great as a neglected child." 📌 Topics Include: TikTok trauma and the curse of virality Emotional flashbacks and old wounds in new comments Clinical appeasement vs. embodied truth When you want to fight but freeze instead Navigating food boundaries at the dinner table and online Spiritual downloads, sunscreen for the soul, and showing up anyway 🧠 Bonus Takeaway: You don’t need to be palatable to be worthy. You’re allowed to take up space as you are — imperfect, passionate, and powerful. 📣 Call to Action: If you loved this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review us! And if you’ve got thoughts, feedback, or want to send us a love letter (we won’t say no), drop us a line at . 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 26: When You Just Don’t Wanna: Recovery in a Motivation Slump
04/22/2025
Episode 26: When You Just Don’t Wanna: Recovery in a Motivation Slump
Feeling like you're slogging through sludge in your recovery? You're not alone. In this vulnerable and validating episode, the Shrinks get real about what to do when the motivation to stay on track just… isn’t there. From functional freeze to emotional flatness, we unpack what it means when everything feels like too much—even when you know what to do. We explore: Why recovery can feel like pushing through quicksand What “motivation collapse” and “functional freeze” look like in real life The grief that comes with ongoing transformation Why nervous system fatigue and willpower overload matter How values, compassion, and community help us recalibrate Why it’s OK to tread water as long as you don’t burn it all down We also talk about being highly sensitive in a world on fire, navigating recovery in times of collective distress, and how commitment—not motivation—is what keeps the engine running when your beetle bug (aka your recovery) just won’t start. 📩 Keep in Touch: Have a question for the Shrinks? Want to tell us how this episode landed for you? Email us at [email protected] — we love hearing from you. 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com ♥️ YouTube: The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 25: You’re Not Fragile: Unpacking the Power of Fragilization
04/15/2025
Episode 25: You’re Not Fragile: Unpacking the Power of Fragilization
In this episode, the Food Shrinks crew explores a powerful, overlooked concept: fragilization. From personal stories to real recovery insights, the team explores how treating ourselves—or others—as too delicate can actually stall growth, deepen shame, and keep us stuck. Whether it’s in addiction recovery, mental health, or just day-to-day life, fragilization can quietly shape how we show up, ask for help, and relate to our own resilience. We talk about how fragilizing ourselves in depression or post-relapse moments can reinforce powerlessness, and how others fragilizing us—even with good intentions—can feel invalidating. You’ll hear raw reflections, lots of laughs, and a serious reframe: you are not broken, and you are not fragile. 💡 Topics We Explore: What fragilization is—and how it shows up in recovery, families, and friendships The line between vulnerability and self-erasure Why over-helping or shielding others can disempower them Self-awareness beyond just self-criticism How diet culture and the patriarchy reinforce fragility myths Reclaiming your resilience and giving others space to rise 🛠️ Tools & Takeaways: Ask yourself: Am I being honest, or am I being a chameleon? Give people the chance to say no—and trust them to say yes Self-awareness means noticing your wins, not just your wounds You don’t need to break to grow Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is stop managing others’ feelings 📬 We want to hear from you! Have a question, a win, or a hot take? Email us at and be part of the next episode. 🌟 Don’t forget: Subscribe ⭐ Rate ⭐ Review ⭐ Share ⭐ Love you, mean it. The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 24: Letting Go & Growing Up
04/08/2025
Episode 24: Letting Go & Growing Up
Welcome to the Food Shrinks podcast! In this heartfelt and honest episode, the Food Shrinks team dives into a powerful listener-submitted question: What happens when the people, places, and things that once brought us comfort no longer fit in our healing and recovery journey? This week, we explore the grief and growth that come with outgrowing relationships, hobbies, environments, and identities that once felt like home. You’ll hear reflections on: • Why things that once felt safe can suddenly feel unbearable • How identity shifts in recovery can affect our social lives • Why it’s normal to feel guilt, grief, or even judgment about these changes • The importance of compassionate self-awareness and honoring intuition • How to navigate change without shame—or setting everything on fire 🔥 • The difference between cutting ties to protect yourself vs. fleeing out of overwhelm • Why kindness doesn’t mean self-betrayal • And how to hold space for your metamorphosis with curiosity, not self-criticism Whether you’re frustrated by your changing preferences or unsure how to handle friends who no longer “get you,” this episode will remind you: You’re not going crazy—you’re just growing. 💗 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • How to tell if you're in a true identity shift • How grief shows up in unexpected ways in recovery • Tools to slow down and make intentional choices • The importance of trusting yourself as you evolve • Why it’s okay (and often necessary) to set boundaries or walk away Ways You Can Support the Show: 1. Subscribe to Food Shrinks on your favorite podcast platform. 2. Rate & Review—Five stars if you're feeling generous! 3. Share this episode with a friend who’s going through their own transformation. Got a question for the Shrinks? Email us at [email protected] or drop your comments on our YouTube channel! 🌱 Remember: healing doesn’t always feel good—but it’s always worth it. We love you, and we’re so glad you’re here. ________________________________________ New episodes drop weekly. Until next time, breathe, stay curious, and keep growing. 🌀 The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 23: Why Can’t I Stay Abstinent—Even After a Health Scare?
04/01/2025
Episode 23: Why Can’t I Stay Abstinent—Even After a Health Scare?
In this powerful episode, we tackle a question that resonates deeply for so many in recovery: "Why can’t I stay off sugar, even after a life-threatening diagnosis?" We received a heartfelt listener question from someone who has been struggling with sugar addiction for years—even after a cancer diagnosis. This sparked a deep, honest conversation about the nature of addiction, why even fear or facts aren't always enough to inspire change, and how recovery takes more than just motivation—it takes connection, community, repetition, and reframing. 💬 In this episode, we cover: 🌱Why fear, force, and facts aren’t sustainable motivators for change 🌱How addiction hijacks the brain and overrides even our strongest survival instincts 🌱Why relapse is not a moral failing, but a symptom of a powerful brain-based disorder 🌱What to do when willpower alone isn’t cutting it 🌱How to expand your recovery toolkit to match the severity of the problem 🌱The importance of community and compassionate self-care in recovery 🌱What “ICU-level care” for food addiction might look like ✨ We explore the truth that addiction is not your fault, but recovery is your responsibility—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re binging every day or white-knuckling your way through abstinence, there is hope, and there are practical tools to help you build a sustainable, supported recovery. 📩 We want to hear from YOU! Got a question for the Food Shrinks? Email us at [email protected] 🙏 Support the Podcast: We LOVE making this podcast for you—but creating free content isn’t free. Here’s how you can help us keep the mic on: 🌱Subscribe to the show 🌱Rate & Review—we love a 5-star, but you do you, boo 🌱Share this episode with friends, recovery groups, or anyone who needs to know they’re not alone Big hugs. Big whoosh. You’ve got this—and we’re with you every step of the way. The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 22: When Life Feels Too Heavy - Coping When It All Piles On
03/25/2025
Episode 22: When Life Feels Too Heavy - Coping When It All Piles On
In this episode: Clarissa opens up about a deeply personal and challenging season in her life—navigating grief, fear, and emotional overwhelm as unexpected hardships pile up. From her puppy's serious health concerns to her mother’s cancer recurrence, Clarissa vulnerably shares what it’s like to face wave after wave of uncertainty. The Food Shrinks dive into what happens when emotional pain feels relentless, and all the usual tools start to feel... not enough. Together, they explore: 💡How to manage emotional pain when it feels like you’re at capacity 💡The dance between disassociation and anger in response to trauma 💡The silent fears about relapse or returning to old coping mechanisms 💡De-shaming the fear of recurrence and reframing relapse prevention 💡The importance of community and connection when survival mode kicks in 💡How empathic individuals may be significantly impacted by global and personal uncertainty 💡Practical tools for staying grounded, even when the storm feels never-ending Through candid conversation and dark humor (because, hey, sometimes we need it), the team navigates the murky waters of high-stress seasons and how to “put on your wetsuit” when life feels like an emotional downpour. Takeaways: ✨ Why acceptance is sometimes more challenging than it sounds ✨ The power of community and skill-building during emotional overwhelm ✨ How loosening shame around relapse fears can actually create more resilience ✨ “Help me to want what I have” – the uncomfortable but powerful prayer for navigating tough times 🎧 Listen now for an honest, raw, and heart-opening conversation on what it means to be human, in recovery, and doing your best when life feels just too heavy. 💌 Listener Q&A is open! Have a question for The Food Shrinks? Send it to [email protected] and you might hear it answered on a future episode! 💡 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast! Your clicks help keep this work going, and we appreciate you being part of this community. 🩷 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 21: Self-Sabotage: What’s Really Happening?
03/18/2025
Episode 21: Self-Sabotage: What’s Really Happening?
In this thought-provoking episode of Food Shrinks, we challenge the concept of self-sabotage and explore a radical reframe—what if it’s not sabotage at all, but an attempt at protection? Join us as we unpack the deeper, more compassionate understanding of behaviors that are often mislabeled as sabotage. Together, we discuss how our brains are wired for survival, not destruction, and how unmet needs, fear, and safety-seeking responses shape our actions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why we don’t believe in self-sabotage—and what we think is actually happening ✔️ The difference between intentional harm (true sabotage) and subconscious protective mechanisms ✔️ How labeling behaviors as “sabotage” can create shame and keep us stuck ✔️ The role of childhood survival mechanisms and nervous system responses in our habits ✔️ Why language matters—how the words we use can either empower us or hold us back ✔️ The impact of chaos, stability, and safety on our decision-making and emotional responses Key Takeaways & Highlights: 💡 "Your brain is wired for survival, not sabotage." The behaviors we often call sabotage are usually our brain’s way of keeping us safe from discomfort, fear, or overwhelm. 💡 Labeling creates limitations. When we call ourselves “self-saboteurs,” we’re reinforcing a belief that we are our own worst enemy rather than recognizing our need for new coping skills. 💡 Self-compassion is key. Understanding our behaviors through a lens of protection rather than destruction allows for healing and real change. 💡 It’s not sabotage—it’s an unmet need. Instead of asking, “Why am I sabotaging myself?” try asking, “What need is going unmet, and how can I address it in a healthier way?” 💡 Language shapes reality. The words we use—whether “sabotage,” “lazy,” “manipulative,” or others—carry energy and impact how we see ourselves. Listener Reflection Questions: 🔹 Have you ever labeled your own behaviors as self-sabotage? How did that label impact you? 🔹 What if your “sabotage” was actually your brain trying to protect you? How might that change your perspective? 🔹 What language do you use to describe your struggles? Does it help or hinder your growth? Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you believe in self-sabotage, or do you resonate with this reframe? Email us at [email protected] and let us know! Support the Show! If you loved this episode, help us keep Food Shrinks going! ✔️ Share this episode with a friend who might need to hear it. ✔️ Follow/subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. ✔️ Rate & review us—it’s how we grow and stay alive in the podcast world! Until next time, Food Shrinks—keep it real, keep it kind, and keep exploring! 🎙️🩷 The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 20: Food, Cravings & Coping: Is There Always a New Addiction Waiting?
03/11/2025
Episode 20: Food, Cravings & Coping: Is There Always a New Addiction Waiting?
In today’s episode, we dive deep into a thought-provoking listener question: Will there always be something waiting in the wings to take the place of old addictive patterns? Molly C. shares a personal experience about her resolution to avoid blue light before bed—and how she noticed an urge to watch TV after a fun night out. This sparks a rich discussion on self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and the evolving nature of cravings and coping mechanisms in recovery. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✅ The idea of whether food (or other behaviors) will always be our first instinct in times of stress ✅ How our nervous system and trauma history influence our default responses ✅ The role of neuroplasticity and whether we can truly rewire our brains to respond differently ✅ The 8 Fs of trauma responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn, Fornicate, Feed, Flop, and Friend ✅ The importance of curiosity and self-compassion when noticing urges and cravings ✅ Why we are wired to crave—and how that doesn’t mean we’re failing in recovery ✅ The power of observation: how practicing “observe and report” can help us navigate cravings without judgment 📩 Listener Question: Will there ever be a day when food is not our first thought in moments of stress? If not, is the goal simply to acknowledge it, dismiss it, and move on with radical acceptance? This led us to a deep and honest conversation about the nature of recovery, self-compassion, and how to shift from reacting to responding with awareness. Key Takeaways: 🧠 Our nervous system is wired for survival, and old patterns don’t disappear overnight—but they can lose their intensity. 💡 Cravings are not a failure. They are a natural part of being human. 💙 Healing is about curiosity, not judgment. The more we understand our behaviors, the less power they hold over us. 💬 Join the Conversation! We love hearing from you! Send us your questions at [email protected] and let us know your thoughts on today’s episode. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! See you next week! #FoodAddictionRecovery #NervousSystem #TraumaResponses #CuriosityNotJudgment #Neuroplasticity #FoodShrinksPodcast The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 19: Feeling Othered, Vulnerability, and the Power of Connection
03/04/2025
Episode 19: Feeling Othered, Vulnerability, and the Power of Connection
In this episode, Molly C, Molly P, and Clarissa dive deep into the feeling of being "othered"—that sense of not quite fitting in, even among close friends or trusted spaces. We explore: ✅ The fear of being too different—what happens when our thoughts, experiences, or intuition don’t align with those around us ✅ The connection between feeling othered and food behaviors—how discomfort leads to numbing or binging ✅ The armor we put up when we feel excluded—why we protect ourselves instead of reaching out ✅ The power of naming our feelings—and how vulnerability in friendships can heal deep-seated fears ✨ Big Takeaways from This Episode: • Feeling “othered” often comes from historical wounds rather than present reality. • Our shame thrives in secrecy, but when shared, it loses power. • Authentic friendships are a space to practice saying, “I feel left out,” instead of shutting down. • We all have parts of ourselves that we fear are “too much”—but often, those are the parts people love most. • Belonging doesn’t come from sameness, it comes from being fully seen and accepted. 💡 Listener Reflection: • Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong, even in a group where you "should" feel connected? • What “armor” do you put on when you feel that way? • How do you soothe yourself when those feelings come up? 💬 Final Thought: We all want to be seen. And today, we saw each other. ❤️ Take Care of Yourself After This Episode: This one was deep, friends. If it resonated, be gentle with yourself. Maybe take a walk, journal, or check in with a friend who makes you feel truly seen. 📩 Got a Question or Topic for the Shrinks? Send it to [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you! 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review! If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might need it. 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 18: Sneaking, Hiding, and the Amplified Reward Cycle of Food Addiction
02/25/2025
Episode 18: Sneaking, Hiding, and the Amplified Reward Cycle of Food Addiction
In this episode of Food Shrinks, we’re shaking things up! With one shrink missing, we dive into how we handle scheduling conflicts as a team and the importance of open, honest conversations in problem-solving. Then, we transition into a powerful discussion about a common struggle in food addiction recovery: sneaking, hiding, and lying about food. We explore how secrecy and shame amplify dopamine release, making the behavior even more rewarding—just like in other substance addictions. By illuminating these patterns, we can dismantle them and find practical ways to break free from the cycle. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode: ✔️ Handling scheduling conflicts with honesty and flexibility – Why communication is key and how we’re restructuring our approach. ✔️ The psychology behind sneaking and hiding food – How secrecy fuels the reward cycle and makes cravings stronger. ✔️ Shame and isolation in food addiction – Why we feel compelled to hide and how it mirrors other addictions. ✔️ Mindful eating and breaking the secrecy cycle – Strategies like eating in the open, using a plate, and slowing down to challenge the food’s "forbidden" appeal. ✔️ The power of self-awareness in recovery – Recognizing triggers, patterns, and practical self-binding strategies to avoid relapse. ✔️ Navigating food choices in social and professional settings – Addressing guilt and external expectations and setting personal boundaries in recovery. Practical Takeaways: ✅ Normalize the struggle – Sneaking and hiding food is common in addiction, and talking about it removes shame. ✅ Break the secrecy cycle – Try eating in the open, paying attention to taste, and challenging the "thrill" of the behavior. ✅ Lean into self-awareness – Identify when and where these urges happen and find strategies to disrupt the pattern. ✅ Own your choices – You can decide what works for you in recovery—without guilt or external judgment. 💡 Want to share your experience or ask us a question? Please email us at [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review! If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might need it. 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 17: Hormones, Hunger, and Healing
02/18/2025
Episode 17: Hormones, Hunger, and Healing
In this insightful and heartfelt episode of Food Shrinks, we explore the complex relationship between hormones, perimenopause, and food addiction recovery. Inspired by listener questions, we share our journeys, client experiences, and the science behind hormonal changes—whether you're still cycling, in perimenopause, or navigating menopause. 🌿 In This Episode: 🧘 Hormones and Recovery: How shifts during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause can affect food cravings and emotional eating. 💡 Luteal Phase Insights: The science behind increased hunger, metabolism spikes, and why cravings often hit hardest before your period. 🧠 The Grief of Change: Exploring the emotional impact of hormonal transitions and why acceptance is key. 💪 Recovery Strategies: Planning for hormonal changes and aligning your recovery support around them is essential. 🌿 The Grandmother Hypothesis: Reframing menopause as a rite of passage into wisdom, connection, and leadership. 💡 Key Takeaways: 💪Hormonal Changes Are Not the Enemy: Learn how fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone influence cravings and mood. 💪Self-Compassion First: Accepting body changes, reducing shame, and prioritizing self-care during hormonal shifts. 💪Awareness is Power: Tracking cycles and recognizing patterns can help you support your recovery plan. 💪Don’t Give Away Your Power: Beware of quick-fix solutions and trust your body's innate wisdom. 💪Find Joy and Connection: Nourish your serotonin with creativity, friendships, and meaningful activities. 💬 Share Your Experience! We’d love to hear from you! What has been your experience with hormones and recovery? How have you navigated perimenopause or menopause on your food addiction journey? 💌 Have a question for us? We want to hear from you! Please email us at [email protected] 🎥 Watch & Share: If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from learning about healthy communication and conflict resolution! 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 16: Breaking Free from Social Media Addiction
02/11/2025
Episode 16: Breaking Free from Social Media Addiction
In this episode of Food Shrinks, Molly C. shares a significant life shift—she's entirely off social media! Coming back from a retreat, she realized how much screen time was impacting her nervous system, focus, and ability to engage with life. She opens up about the moment she knew she had to step away, the withdrawal symptoms she experienced, and how she transitioned off social media with the help of the Freedom app. Molly and Clarissa also explore the broader topic of digital addiction, drawing connections to food addiction and other compulsive behaviors. They discuss insights from Dr. Anna Lembke’s work on dopamine and addiction, how social media companies profit from our dysregulation, and what it means to take back your power. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Molly decided to quit social media and what changed for her The surprising benefits of stepping away from constant scrolling How screen addiction mirrors food addiction and other compulsive behaviors Practical steps to reduce digital dependence Signs your social media use might be a problem Why reclaiming your time is an act of self-care Resources & Mentions: by Dr. Anna Lembke Dr. Anna Lembke’s for screen time management Join the Conversation: Have a question for us? We want to hear from you! Email us at Watch & Share: If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from learning about healthy communication and conflict resolution! Follow Us: YouTube: Instagram: @FoodShrinks Email: Website: The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 15: When Is It Time to Go Deeper in Recovery?
02/04/2025
Episode 15: When Is It Time to Go Deeper in Recovery?
In this episode of Food Shrinks, we dive into an important question: When do we need to go deeper than recovery coaching, and when is it enough to stay at that level? 🔑Key Topics Discussed: 🔒Two Approaches to Healing – Clearing out the body and mind first vs. addressing deeper emotional work upfront. 🔒When Coaching Isn’t Enough – How to recognize when therapy, trauma work, or other professional support is needed. 🔒The Rush to Go Deeper – Why there’s no need to sprint toward deeper work and how cultural pressure impacts this mindset. 🔒Intuition as a Guide – How to trust yourself in knowing when it’s time to explore deeper healing. 🔒The Limits of Helpers – Coaches, therapists, and sponsors can only take you as far as they’ve gone themselves. 🔒The Importance of Readiness – Why sometimes it’s okay not to do deeper work and simply focus on life and joy. 🔒Recovery as a Bridge Back to Life – Remembering that healing isn’t about fixing yourself but expanding your ability to live fully. We also explore the balance between doing inner work and simply being in life, finding joy, and knowing when to step back instead of always digging for the next thing to “fix.” 💌 Have a question for us? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] 🎥 Watch & Share: If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from learning about healthy communication and conflict resolution! 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 14: Conflict, Communication, and Repair in Healthy Relationships
01/28/2025
Episode 14: Conflict, Communication, and Repair in Healthy Relationships
In this episode, Molly, Clarissa, and Molly (aka The Food Shrinks) dive deep into healthy conflict resolution and how it impacts relationships, recovery, and our connection with food. Through personal stories, the hosts share their challenges and breakthroughs when it comes to communication, boundaries, and repair. 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Molly’s 2025 Resolution 🩷Why she’s committing to ending people-pleasing and learning to say “no” without guilt. 🩷How people-pleasing behaviors can show up in recovery and eating habits. Turning Conflict into Growth 🩷A behind-the-scenes look at a recent scheduling conflict between the Food Shrinks and how it strengthened their collaboration. 🩷Clarissa’s mindful approach to addressing frustration and setting boundaries. 🩷How the team repaired the situation and grew closer as a result. Practical Conflict Resolution Skills 🩷Clarissa’s go-to tools: Pause, take space, reflect, and respond. 🩷Molly’s approach: Validate, own mistakes, and focus on repair instead of apology. 🩷Tips for staying grounded and handling emotional triggers. Connection to Recovery 🩷How appeasement, fear of abandonment, and difficulty setting boundaries are tied to disordered eating. 🩷Why addressing these underlying behaviors can help heal your relationship with food. 💡 Listener Takeaways: 🗝️Conflict doesn’t have to be scary—it can actually bring you closer to the people you care about. 🗝️Learn to pause and reflect before reacting emotionally. 🗝️Validate others’ experiences and focus on tangible repairs, not just apologies. 🗝️Boundaries and honest communication can transform your relationships—and your recovery. 🎥 Watch & Share: If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from learning about healthy communication and conflict resolution! 🗨️ Have a question? Drop it in the comments or email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you! 📢 Follow Us: 📱 Instagram: @FoodShrinks 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: foodshrinks.com Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other thrive in recovery! See you next time! The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 13: Exploring Psychedelics in Recovery and Healing
01/20/2025
Episode 13: Exploring Psychedelics in Recovery and Healing
In this candid and impromptu episode of The Food Shrinks, Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab dive deep into their personal experiences with psychedelics, focusing on their potential as tools for emotional and psychological healing. From ketamine-assisted therapy to psilocybin journeys, the hosts share raw insights into their transformative—yet challenging—experiences. This conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, professional guidance, and integration, underscoring that psychedelics are not a quick fix but a profound tool in the toolbox of recovery and self-growth. Key Topics Discussed: 🔥The unexpected start to this heartfelt conversation on psychedelics. 🔥Molly Carmel’s journey through ketamine-assisted therapy and its impact on her reactivity and emotional balance. 🔥Clarissa Kennedy’s psilocybin experience addresses shame and self-compassion and the science behind how psychedelics work on the serotonin pathway and parietal lobe. 🔥Molly Painschab’s profound insights from her psilocybin journey, including overcoming deeply ingrained emotional narratives. 🔥The importance of therapeutic preparation, intention-setting, and post-experience integration. 🔥The challenges and benefits of these experiences, including shadow work and ego death. 🔥A reminder that psychedelics are a tool—not a silver bullet—and require careful consideration and professional support. Key Takeaways: 🔥Personal Growth Through Psychedelics: Psychedelics can offer transformative experiences, but they demand a willingness to face difficult emotions and memories. 🔥Preparation and Integration Matter: Effective use involves guided preparation, structured sessions, and post-experience processing to maximize benefits. 🔥Scientific Insights: Psychedelics impact the brain by reducing inflammation, increasing neuroplasticity, and rewiring key areas like the serotonin pathway and parietal lobe. 🔥Varied Experiences: Every journey is unique, and expectations can shape outcomes. 🔥Caution and Support Are Essential: These tools are not suitable for everyone and must be used with care, professional guidance, and in safe environments. 🔥Broader Implications for Recovery: Psychedelics may serve as an intervention for those struggling to move past entrenched patterns or emotional barriers in recovery. We want to hear from you! Have questions, topics you'd love us to discuss, or experiences to share? Email us at [email protected], and join the conversation. Tune in next week as we continue exploring tools for healing, recovery, and personal transformation. Remember, recovery is a journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 12: Decoding "Diet Culture Vultures" and Empowering Self-Determination
01/14/2025
Episode 12: Decoding "Diet Culture Vultures" and Empowering Self-Determination
Today the Food Shrinks unpack what "diet culture vultures" represent in the context of diet culture and self-help programs, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and how to recognize manipulative tactics in various industries, including healthcare, food recovery, and coaching. This honest conversation also explores personal vulnerabilities, the importance of critical thinking, and the need to trust one’s inner wisdom. Key Topics Discussed: ⛄Defining "Diet Culture Vultures": ❄How vultures prey on insecurities and vulnerable moments, often selling unrealistic promises of quick fixes. ❄Examples: Diet programs, coaching, self-help services, medical treatments, and even books or summits that create dependency or fear. ⛄The Impact of Vulnerability and Dysregulation: ❄How heightened emotional states can impair critical thinking and lead to susceptibility to manipulation. ❄Personal insecurities make individuals more prone to being "preyed on." ⛄The Science of Self-Determination: ❄Emphasizing sustainable recovery and growth stems from self-ownership and internal motivation rather than external solutions. ⛄Recognizing Red Flags in Offers: ❄Beware of promises of quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. ❄Manipulative tactics, such as isolating you from alternative options or pressuring immediate decisions, are signs of a vulture-like approach. ⛄Navigating Professional Relationships: ❄The importance of advocating for oneself, asking questions, and maintaining boundaries in relationships with professionals or programs. ❄Understanding that not every misalignment is malintent; it could simply be a mismatch of needs and services. ⛄The Role of Recovery in Building Resilience: ❄Recovery is a steady, imperfect process that requires patience, flexibility, and trust in one’s journey. Key Takeaways: ⛄Mantras to Identify and Avoid "Vultures": ❄❄Safety is sexy: Choose relationships and programs that foster calmness and security. ❄❄Urgency is not an emergency: Quick fixes are neither quick nor sustainable. ❄❄Connect with your inner wisdom: Trust your gut and critically evaluate any offer. ❄❄If someone says there’s only one way, run away: Avoid programs or professionals claiming theirs is the only solution. ⛄Tips for Empowerment: ❄Pause and self-regulate before making significant decisions. ❄Seek second opinions and involve trusted supporters in decision-making. ❄Trust that you can change course if something feels wrong. Do you have questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at [email protected] Support Us: If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share! Help us spread the message and support others on their journey. Find more content on our YouTube Channel. Stay connected, stay empowered. See you next week! Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks You tube: The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 11: Breaking the Impulse Buy Cycle: Navigating Wellness Marketing Traps
01/07/2025
Episode 11: Breaking the Impulse Buy Cycle: Navigating Wellness Marketing Traps
In this thought-provoking episode of The Food Shrinks delve into the allure—and pitfalls—of wellness programs, self-help summits, and fitness courses that promise transformation but often lead to unfulfilled intentions. The trio unpacks the psychological and emotional drivers behind impulsive purchases, the cultural conditioning of "quick fixes," and strategies to make more intentional decisions about investments in personal growth. Key Topics Discussed: 🔑The pervasive marketing tactics targeting pain points in wellness and recovery. 🔑The emotional and psychological reasons behind impulsive purchases include fear of missing out (FOMO) and searching for external validation. 🔑The damaging cycle of buying self-help programs and not following through leads to decreased self-trust. 🔑The importance of pausing, reflecting, and taking intentional steps before purchasing. 🔑Strategies for regaining power and making aligned decisions prioritizing consistency over quick fixes. 🔑The upcoming challenges of January's "New Year, New You" marketing blitz. Key Takeaways: 🔑Pause Before Purchasing: The hosts emphasize the importance of waiting at least 48 hours before making impulsive purchases. Ask: “Can this wait?” 🔑Interview Your Wellness Programs: Treat choosing a wellness program like interviewing a caregiver—take your time, ask questions, and ensure it aligns with your values and capacity. 🔑Beware of Quick Fixes: Recovery and healing are not one-size-fits-all or instant solutions. Prioritize intentional and sustainable approaches over programs promising overnight change. 🔑Recognize Marketing Manipulation: Understand how advertising plays on pain points and creates urgency. This awareness can help resist impulsive decisions. 🔑Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Healing often requires tuning out external noise and trusting your internal guidance to choose what’s best for you. 🔑Commit to Follow-Through: Only invest in programs or resources you have the time, space, and intention to fully engage with. Listener Challenge: Join the Food Shrinks hosts in a no-impulse-buying challenge! Before purchasing, wait, reflect, and consult trusted friends or accountability partners to ensure the decision aligns with your needs. What are your thoughts on impulsive buying in wellness? How do you decide which programs to invest in? Please share your insights and questions with us at [email protected]. Join us next week for another honest, empowering conversation! Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 10: Facing Vultures, Shame, and Self-Abandonment
12/31/2024
Episode 10: Facing Vultures, Shame, and Self-Abandonment
In this candid and deeply personal episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly Carmel, Clarissa Kennedy, and Molly Painschab—dive into the challenging topic of self-abandonment, appeasement, and the consequences of chasing quick fixes. From past experiences with expensive treatment programs to navigating shame and self-doubt, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone struggling to hold on to themselves in moments of uncertainty. The hosts share their missteps, lessons learned, and actionable strategies to help listeners recognize and reclaim their power. Key Takeaways: The Cost of Quick Fixes: 🏔️Clarissa reflects on her experience with an overpriced treatment center that promised transformation but delivered minimal value. She highlights the allure of "glitzy solutions" and how they often lead to disappointment. 🏔️Molly Painschab and Molly Carmel share similar stories of misplaced trust in expensive programs, shedding light on the sunk-cost fallacy and the dangers of magical thinking. SUNK-COST FALLACY: the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial. Self-Abandonment in the Name of Appeasement: 🏔️The concept of appeasement, or people-pleasing, is explored as a survival mechanism that often leads to self-abandonment. 🏔️The hosts emphasize the importance of identifying and challenging the behaviors that lead to prioritizing others' expectations over personal truth. The Power of Connection: 🏔️Shame thrives in secrecy. Sharing struggles with trusted individuals can break the cycle of self-doubt and isolation. 🏔️Building a "power circle" of supportive and honest people is essential for navigating challenging situations. Lessons Learned: 🏔️Trust your intuition. Don't ignore the red flags if a program, relationship, or commitment feels wrong. 🏔️Always evaluate decisions transparently—if you can't explain or defend your choices to a trusted person, reconsider them. 🏔️Remember that true growth and healing come from consistent self-care and inner work, not quick fixes. Practical Advice: 🏔️Talk to trusted people before committing to significant decisions. 🏔️Don’t let shame silence you. Even a simple text like “I’m not okay” can open the door to support. 🏔️Reclaim your narrative by acknowledging your truth, even in the face of fear or judgment. Call to Action: We’d love to hear from you! Please share your experiences, questions, and thoughts with us at [email protected]. Your stories inspire us and our listeners. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends and loved ones. Together, we can support each other in navigating the complexities of food, life, and recovery. Join us next week for another honest, empowering conversation! Email: Website: Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 9: You're Not the Problem, You're the Solution.
12/23/2024
Episode 9: You're Not the Problem, You're the Solution.
In this episode, the Food Shrinks—Molly C., Molly P., and Clarissa—gear up to combat the "diet culture vultures" that descend during the New Year season. They discuss empowering listeners to reclaim their role as the solution to their challenges rather than falling victim to shame-based marketing tactics. This conversation is packed with insights into navigating January's pressures with mindfulness, self-compassion, and an emphasis on long-term recovery. Key Takeaways: 🔥"You're Not the Problem" Mantra: Shift the narrative—you're not the problem; you're the solution. 🔥Avoiding Shame-Based Marketing: Recognize when urgency or fear tactics are being used to manipulate you. YOUR healing is not for sale; recovery isn’t about dependency on a single program or coach. 🔥The Power of Mindful Choices: Making decisions from a grounded place, rather than in states of shame, fear, or urgency, leads to sustainable recovery. 🔥Understanding the Brain and Nervous System: Trauma responses like fight, flight, and appease can cloud judgment. Regular self-care practices, such as mindfulness and peer support, help regulate these responses. 🔥Recovery is Personal: Growth requires evolving tools and practices. What worked years ago might not be what you need today. Stay curious about your changing needs. Listener Challenge: As you face the tidal wave of New Year’s diet marketing, ask yourself: 🔥"Does this program enhance me as the solution?" 🔥"Am I buying this out of fear or empowerment?" 🔥"What do I truly want for myself this year?" Molly C.'s Pro Tip: "If it’s urgent, it’s not wisdom." Take your time and trust your inner guidance. Quotes from the Episode: 🔥"Your healing is not for sale." – Clarissa 🔥"Their urgency is not your emergency." – Clarissa 🔥"When we make decisions in a dysregulated state, we lose the thread." – Molly C. Connect with the Food Shrinks: Have questions or stories about navigating diet culture vultures? Share them with us! 📧 Email: [email protected] We’ll incorporate your stories and questions into upcoming episodes and YouTube content. Let’s face the January frenzy together—empowered and awake! Subscribe & Share: Love this episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with friends. See you next week! Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks
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Episode 8: 12 Steps, Many Paths: Finding What Works for YOU in Recovery
12/17/2024
Episode 8: 12 Steps, Many Paths: Finding What Works for YOU in Recovery
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, your hosts, Molly Painschab, Molly Carmel, and Clarissa Kennedy, dive into the topic of 12-step programs and their role in food addiction recovery. This conversation explores their diverse experiences with 12-step recovery, its benefits, challenges, and alternatives, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their own path to healing. Key Takeaways from the Episode 🩷Personal Experiences with 12-Step: Molly Carmel shares her transformative journey through OA (Overeaters Anonymous), from initial skepticism to finding a foundation for her spirituality and emotional recovery. Meanwhile, Clarissa Kennedy reflects on how her experience with AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) differed, highlighting challenges like shame and fear-mongering but also discussing how she found support in alternative recovery programs like Women for Sobriety and Monument. 🩷The Power of Community: All three hosts agree on the vital importance of community in recovery, whether through 12-step programs or other support networks. They emphasize the value of finding what works best for each individual. 🩷Trusting Yourself in Recovery: This episode tackles balancing outside advice with self-trust. The hosts discuss the importance of listening to your inner wisdom while navigating the complexities of recovery programs. 🩷Finding the Right Fit: Whether exploring different meetings, seeking out supportive sponsors, or finding alternative programs, the hosts encourage listeners to stay curious and keep searching until they find the right recovery environment. 🩷Practical Advice for Recovery: From learning tolerance and humility to understanding the neurobiology of addiction, this episode is packed with actionable advice for those in any stage of their recovery journey. Episode Highlights 🩷Molly Carmel’s candid story of reluctantly joining OA and how it became the foundation for her spiritual and emotional recovery. 🩷Clarissa’s experience of leaving AA and finding healing in alternative programs felt more compassionate and empowering. 🩷The hosts’ discussion on the pitfalls of diet culture infiltrating food-based recovery groups and the importance of rejecting shame-based approaches. 🩷Practical advice for interviewing sponsors, navigating challenging recovery environments, and staying open to new possibilities. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode, and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next. Please email us at [email protected]. We’re here to support you on your recovery journey. 🩷Stay Connected Follow The Food Shrinks for more insights, personal stories, and expert advice on food addiction recovery. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more listeners like you! Resources Mentioned 🩷Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 🩷Women for Sobriety 🩷Monument: An online recovery community for alcohol addiction 🩷Sweet Sobriety: A supportive community for food addiction recovery Tune in, stay curious, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey. Let’s recover together! Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 7: To Weigh or Not to Weigh? Navigating Recovery and the Scale
12/10/2024
Episode 7: To Weigh or Not to Weigh? Navigating Recovery and the Scale
Ever wondered whether stepping on the scale supports or sabotages your food recovery? This week on Food Shrinks, we're tackling this tricky topic head-on! Today, the Shrinks discuss the complexities of weighing oneself during recovery, the potential triggers, and the importance of tailoring recovery to individual needs. Key discussions include: 🔥The dangers of focusing on weight loss over recovery. 🔥How scales can act as triggers and distractions for those in recovery. 🔥The power of spiritual and emotional growth in stabilizing recovery. 🔥Understanding recovery non-negotiables for long-term success. Takeaways: 🔥Recovery over weight loss: Focusing solely on weight can undermine recovery. Prioritize healing and stability. 🔥The role of the scale: Weighing oneself can be helpful but must be approached with caution, neutrality, and clear intent. 🔥Patience with weight stalls: A stall in weight loss may require patience, medical intervention, or acceptance—it’s a journey, not a race. 🔥Tailored recovery: Every individual's journey is unique; avoid cookie-cutter solutions and work with an experienced practitioner. 🔥Self-care is key: Regular routines, mindfulness, and support systems are essential to maintaining recovery and mental health. 🔥Recovery non-negotiables: Identify daily practices that keep you grounded and focused on long-term healing. We want to hear from you! Do you weigh yourself as part of your recovery, or have you let go of the scale? Please share your thoughts, questions, and recovery stories with us at [email protected]. Your feedback inspires our future episodes! 📩 Connect with us: Do you have ideas for future topics? Please send us an email or comment on our social platforms. Let’s continue the conversation together! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Please stay connected for more honest conversations about recovery, tools, and hope. Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks You Tube: The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 6: Navigating Vulture Coaching, Vulnerability, and Empowerment in Recovery
12/03/2024
Episode 6: Navigating Vulture Coaching, Vulnerability, and Empowerment in Recovery
⚠️Please forgive the poor internet connection in this episode! In today’s episode, the Shrinks go off-script to discuss a topic that lit a fire in Molly C.’s heart last night while scrolling Instagram. This raw and authentic conversation unpacks the challenges, complexities, and nuances of navigating advice in the recovery and coaching space—especially when it comes to weight loss, bariatric surgery, and GLP-1 medications. Molly C. shares her visceral reaction to a controversial Instagram post suggesting that people should only consider medical interventions after “getting straight with God.” From there, the discussion evolves into exploring the fine line between empowerment and victim-blaming, the ethical responsibility of coaches and counselors, and the dangers of relying solely on personal experience without professional training. Key Topics Discussed: ✴The importance of integrating spirituality, science, and evidence-based care in recovery journeys. ✴ People face vulnerabilities when seeking support and how predatory marketing can exploit that. ✴How to discern if a coach or counselor is qualified to provide the help you need—questions to ask and red flags to watch for. ✴Why it’s okay (and essential) to fire a professional who isn’t serving your best interests. ✴The power of GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery as tools for recovery and the myths and stigma surrounding them. ✴The broader cultural implications of moralizing health interventions and the importance of meeting people where they are. Takeaways for Listeners: ✴There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to recovery. Every journey is unique, and the right tools vary for everyone. ✴It’s vital to find practitioners who are trained, compassionate, and genuinely invested in your healing—not in keeping you sick. ✴Be wary of shame-based messaging that suggests you’re not “doing enough” or “faithful enough” to heal. ✴Your recovery is valid, whether it includes medical interventions, spiritual growth, or a mix of both. ✴Always hold onto hope—healing is possible, and you deserve the best care and support available. Listener Challenge: We’d love to hear your thoughts on this conversation! Have you experienced shame-based coaching? How do you choose the proper support in your recovery journey? Please share your insights and stories with us at . Resources Mentioned: ✴Questions to Ask a Coach or Counselor Before Working with Them (from a previous Food Junkies episode) ✴Dr. Rhona Epstein: A trusted Christian food addiction counselor with decades of experience. Follow Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Please stay connected for more honest conversations about recovery, tools, and hope. Email: Website: Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 5: Navigating Food and Holiday Challenges with Compassion and Strategy
11/26/2024
Episode 5: Navigating Food and Holiday Challenges with Compassion and Strategy
In this episode, The Shrinks explore the complexities of the holiday season, particularly for those managing food addiction or emotional challenges tied to festivities. With a mix of humor, science, and heartfelt personal experiences, the hosts discuss strategies to navigate the season authentically and with self-compassion. From preparing in advance and managing food temptations to setting boundaries and taking timeouts, this conversation is packed with practical advice for handling both food and family dynamics. Whether you love the holidays or find them overwhelming, this episode offers insights to help you approach the season with confidence and care. 1. Diverse Experiences with Holidays: o The holidays evoke a range of emotions and experiences, from joy and celebration to anxiety and trauma. Acknowledging and owning your feelings about this season can be a powerful step toward navigating it authentically. 2. Holiday Preparation is Key: o Whether you love or dread the holidays, preparation can reduce stress and decision fatigue. Key strategies include: Self-Care Before Events: Exercise, mindfulness, or grounding activities can help center you. Eating Beforehand: Arrive at events satiated to avoid hunger-driven choices. Visualization: Mentally rehearse how you want to feel and act at events to set the tone. 3. Managing Food Temptations: o Overvalued holiday foods can trigger overeating. Incorporating “special” foods into your regular diet ahead of the season helps reduce their scarcity and allure. o Approach events with a plan for navigating tempting foods, such as focusing on connecting with people instead of grazing on appetizers. 4. Practical Tools for Overwhelm: o Time-Outs: Step away when needed—go outside, listen to music, or take a breath to reset. o Alternative Activities: Volunteering for tasks, like doing the dishes, can provide a purposeful escape from triggering situations. o Exit Strategies: Feel empowered to leave early or set boundaries to prioritize your well-being. 5. The Power of Accountability: o Connect with supportive communities to share your goals and celebrate successes. Accountability partners can help you stay grounded and navigate challenges. 6. Food Addiction Insights: o Euphoric recall, where food memories are heightened by dopamine and cortisol, plays a significant role in holiday food cravings. Awareness of these patterns can help you make mindful choices. 7. Shift the Focus: o Instead of placing all emotional value on a single holiday or food, embrace the broader season. Reframe the experience by integrating traditions and flavors into everyday life to reduce pressure and scarcity mentality. 8. Boundaries are Acts of Self-Love: o Setting limits with family, food, and even your own expectations is a profound act of self-care. It's okay to prioritize your mental and physical health, even if it means saying no or stepping away. 9. Permission to Protect Yourself: o Whether by taking timeouts, bringing an ally, or using “fake sick” as an exit strategy, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your recovery and well-being. 10. Stay Connected: o Holidays can be isolating, but they’re also an opportunity to lean into support systems. Use resources, like the podcast Q&A shorts on YouTube, to stay motivated and remind yourself you’re not alone. Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJz7uP8kmP4
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Episode 4: Triggers, Transitions, and Truth with Molly Carmel
11/18/2024
Episode 4: Triggers, Transitions, and Truth with Molly Carmel
Welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Food Shrinks! This week, we’re diving deep into what triggers us and how they show up in our lives. It’s Molly C.’s turn to share, and her honesty and vulnerability bring so much wisdom to the table. Molly opens up about navigating big life transitions, like her recent move from North Carolina, back to the Northeast. She shares how underestimated stressors—like moving, saying goodbye, and caring for a sick pet—combined with her “I’m fine” coping mechanism led to a challenging time in her recovery journey. Key highlights from the episode include: •Navigating Big Life Changes: How Molly’s move and life upheavals triggered unexpected behaviors and emotions. •Facing the Scale and Reality: Molly’s candid story of realizing she needed to reset her recovery plan after emotional eating and stress. •The Importance of Asking for Help: Molly’s decision to hire a coach, reframe her support system, and accept that even with 15 years of abstinence, there’s always room for growth and guidance. •Humility in Recovery: The humbling experience of needing to revisit basic tools, despite being a leader in the recovery space. •Reframing Relapse: Why the term “recurrence” is a more compassionate and accurate way to describe returning to disordered behaviors in food addiction recovery. •Embracing Imperfection: Life isn’t about perfection, even in long-term recovery. Molly discusses how recognizing moments of chaos can lead to profound personal lessons. •We also explore the importance of maintaining ongoing support, staying curious about your own behaviors, and embracing the idea that recovery isn’t linear—it’s a lifelong process of learning and growing. Key Takeaways for Listeners: •Recovery is a daily practice, not a destination. •It’s okay—and vital—to ask for help when you need it. •Naming and normalizing struggles can be the most healing act. •Life’s challenges don’t disappear; learning to navigate them with grace is what matters. Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this journey. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might benefit from hearing it. Don’t forget to rate and review—we love hearing from you! See you next time, and remember: We’re all in this together. 💜 Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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Episode 3: From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Molly P. Manages Triggers and Overwhelm in Recovery
11/12/2024
Episode 3: From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Molly P. Manages Triggers and Overwhelm in Recovery
In this episode, The Shrinks dive deep into identifying and managing triggers on the path to recovery, with a special focus on insights from Molly P. We discuss how overwhelming schedules, feeling controlled, and people-pleasing tendencies can drive emotional eating or even binge-eating episodes. Molly reflects on her journey and the importance of recognizing when she's overextending herself, neglecting self-care, or shouldering more than she can bear—all classic triggers in her recovery. Key takeaways include the value of setting boundaries and prioritizing yourself in the face of external demands. Our panel emphasizes creating space in your schedule for breaks and meals and urges listeners to pause and check in with themselves regularly, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. This small act can help curb stress and prevent overwhelm. A powerful theme emerges around vulnerability and the need for support in recovery. Whether it's scheduling short breaks, learning to say "no," or asking for help, these are essential skills for protecting one’s mental and emotional health. Remember, self-care doesn’t require perfection—it’s about consistent, small steps that help you thrive. Join us as we explore the daily practices that contribute to a resilient recovery journey. Watch now on YouTube: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with others who might need these insights! Email: [email protected] Website: www.foodshrinks.com Instagram: @foodshrinks The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
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