College years are often described as “some of the best years of your life.” While that is true in many ways there are often hidden battles students may face that are independent of academics.

In this episode of Bite by Bite, Kait and episode guest Cassie Lincoln, dive into the hidden realities of drunkorexia and body image pressure in college culture. Together, Kait and Cassie unpack the silent struggles many students—especially athletes—face when navigating food, appearance, and identity on campus. 

From extreme social norms like skipping meals to “earn” drinks, to body shaming in athletics, we share personal stories that reveal how disordered eating patterns can become normalized within college culture.

Episode Topics:

• Cassie talks about her experience with college culture (4:45)
• The impact of the pressure in college culture (7:34)
• Cassie discusses the aesthetic and  pressure of college athletics (9:54)
• Cassie discloses disordered messages delivered by her college XC coach (12:20)
• The unenjoyable nature of competition in college (14:42)
• Understanding Drunkorexia (18:55)
• Reflections on disordered behaviors from Kait and Cassie (29:40)
• How to recognize disordered patterns (34:54)
• The advice Kait and Cassie would give to their younger selves (37:16)
• Let’s break societal expectations (40:14)
• 
  

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery. 

Episode Guest:  Cassie Lincoln is a wife, a mom of two boys, and an Occupational Therapist who resides in Texas with her beautiful family. Cassie and Kait have been friends since the middle school years and have both their own experiences with disordered eating. Aside from being a close friend, Cassie has a special place in Kait’s heart as Cassie was the first friend to know about her struggle with an eating disorder over ten years ago. As Cassie’s life has evolved she has also noticed how pressures and judgements from society have evolved as well. Presently, Cassie strives to live her life to the fullest by breaking societal norms by living her life the way she wants to, as opposed to what society suggests and expects.

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with Kait?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Affiliate Links

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Recent research shows that eating disorder rates in males are increasing at a faster rate as compared to females, according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA).

In this episode, join Kait and episode guest Eric Pothen as he shares his personal journey of living with and recovering from an eating disorder as a male and the unique challenges he faced in recovery. Together Kait and Eric discuss the societal misconceptions surrounding male eating disorders, the importance of community support, and the need for more male representation in the treatment space. 

The episode emphasizes the significance of seeking professional help and encourages men to embrace their experiences and seek support. The conversation highlights the hope for the future as more men begin to share their stories and advocate for change in the perception of eating disorders.

Episode topics:

• Understanding eating disorders in men (3:32)
• Eric speaks about the isolation of male recovery (10:45)
• Gender norms and their impact on speaking out (13:49)
• Challenges in recovery for males (16:48)
• The under representation of males in eating disorder recovery treatment (20:28)
• Misconceptions relating to males and eating disorders (23:59)
• The importance of empowerment and advocacy (25:55)
• The future direction of male eating disorder awareness (27:59)
• The lack of education specific to eating disorders for medical providers (30:55)
• Eric suggests how to create a safe space for men (33:36)
• The importance of embracing vulnerability and sharing your story (37:23)
• Kait and Eric share their hopes for future eating disorder awareness (44:56)
• 
  

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait has previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery.

Episode Guest: Eric Pothen is an eating disorder advocate who serves on the Peer Council for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the Community Engagement Committee for the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). After struggling with an eating disorder for several years, Eric now uses his lived experience to raise awareness and support others on their recovery journeys, particularly around eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image — with a special focus on men. He is the founder of the apparel company Embrace Wear and host of the podcast Embracing You, both dedicated to helping others embrace themselves and discover beauty and self-worth from within. Eric is currently pursuing a degree in Counseling with the goal of becoming an eating disorder therapist, specializing in working with men and the LGBTQ+ community.

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with Kait?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources
Connect with Eric

@ericpothen 

Eric’s website 

Embracing You

Affiliate Links
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In a world where exercise is applauded and referred to as “discipline” and “dedication,” it’s hard to realize that what you’re doing is actually an unhealthy addiction fueled by debilitating anxiety.

In this episode, Kait shares how she quit exercising cold turkey in 2024 after a mental breakdown. She dives deep into describing strategies that she used in order to cope with the loss of her main coping mechanism. She describes things she learned, such as urges to move are actually messengers that something deeper needs her attention. 

For the full context of the topic of this episode be sure to listen to:

Episode 2: THE SECRET THAT ATE ME ALIVE: My 10-Year Eating Disorder Recovery Timeline

Episode 11: EATING DISORDER RECOVERY AFTER RELAPSE: My Recovery Story

Episode topics:

• Kait describes the two chapters of her compulsive exercise (2:15)
• Kait’s compulsive exercise shape shifts into compulsive movement (4:33)
• Kait shares the strategies she used to cope with quitting exercise (7:23)
• Grieving your exercise routine is part of the process (11:27)
• Nervous system dysregulation is a messenger (12:08)
• Movement should be a relationship, not a performance (12:55)

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait has previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery. 

 Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Affiliate Links

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Sometimes relapse is part of the process, and that’s okay because we can learn from it. In today’s episode, Kait shares the story of her two very different experiences with eating disorder recovery. The first time, formal treatment. The second time, messy but honest.

Through this conversation, Kait explores what eating disorder recovery really asks of us, why relapse isn't failure, and how to stop performing healing and start truly doing the work.

Episode topics:

• Intro to Kait's 2 recovery chapters (2:39)
• Attempt #1: Kait goes to formal treatment (3:19)
• Treatment structure (6:18)
• Kait's progress externally versus internally (7:00)
• Kait shares the main lessons learned from formal eating disorder treatment (8:00)
• Discharge from treatment (9:29)
• Attempt#2: Honest, messy, and freeing (11:48)
• Strategies/tools Kait continues to use to help her work through her eating disorder recovery (16:07)
• Kait reflects on the journey (21:03) 

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait has previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery. 

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Affiliate Links

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This episode is special because it’s off-the-cuff and entirely fueled by your questions and comments. If that wasn’t enough, Kait is joined by not only one, but two guests for this episode.

In this episode, Kait is joined by Amy Goeckel and Merrit Stahle. The three of them asked what you wanted to know and what you had to say. Then, they brought it to the mic. Together they unpack their responses to your questions and comments by sharing their own personal insights that include practical tools and resources that can help support you on your hardest days. 

In this episode, Kait, Amy & Merrit discuss:

• Recovery tools for navigating pregnancy (3:54)
• What to say & not say when supporting someone in eating disorder recovery (9:46)
• The importance of understanding YOUR unique eating disorder recovery journey (18:33)
• The difficulty in navigating diet culture, GLP-1s, and social media pressures (20:28)
• How to distinguish guilt from shame (24:32)
• When and how body image gets better in eating disorder recovery(29:57)
• Suggestions for finding support and resources when financial or social barriers are present (37:41)
• The challenge with eating disorder treatment metrics (43:30)
• The power of speaking up and not keeping your eating disorder a secret (51:49)

Episode Guests:

Amy Goeckel is the host of The Eating Disorder Diaries, a podcast that chronicles her 15+ year battle with bulimia, her experience with eating disorder recovery, and features interviews from those who have been a part of her personal journey, have had their own experience with an eating disorder, or are industry experts ranging from doctors, therapists, to nutritionists. 

Merrit Stahle is a certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach and the founder of Merrit Elizabeth Recovery, where she supports individuals in reclaiming their relationship with food, body, and self. She’s the author of The SHIFT newsletter, a powerful resource for those navigating healing, and the co-founder of Conquering Bulimia.

Resources from Episode

8 KEYS TO RECOVERY FROM AN EATING DISORDER

VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS   

THE UNTETHERED SOUL &  GUIDED JOURNAL

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with Kait?

👉🏼⁠ ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Connect with Merrit

@merritelizabeth

Merrit Elizabeth Recovery

Connect with Amy

@theeatingdisorderdiaries

There are a few reasons why perfectionism and the need for control show so often in all types of eating disorders.

In this episode, join Kait and episode guest, Morgan Hannaleck, as they explore the deep links between perfectionism, control, anxious attachment, and eating disorder recovery from their lived experience. 

In this episode, Kait and Morgan discuss:

• The roles of perfectionism and control in eating disorders (3:12)
• How perfectionism and control become coping mechanisms (6:07)
• How control gives the illusion of safety and the impact this has on an eating disorder (9:21)
• The challenge of perfectionism in eating disorder recovery (12:50)
• How to overcome all-or-nothing thinking and embrace discomfort (16:09)
• How one’s eating disorder develops from it’s own roots (18:42)
• The  connection of an anxious attachment in relationships and eating disorders (22:47)
• The impact of external validation and social media impact on eating disorders (28:03)
• The importance of eating disorder education in recovery (31:53)
• How self-compassion is the key to sustaining recovery (35:26)
• The importance of replacing control with trust (39:41)
• Learning to listen to the physical cues from your body (42:12)
• How to unmute yourself and feel all of your emotions (44:27)
• How to transform your patterns with communication and trust while in recovery (47:30)
• How to challenge a high-functioning eating disorder (52:22)
• How to find your purpose in eating disorder recovery (58:10)
• Practical advice for letting go of your need to control (1:03:25)
• 
  

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait and Morgan have previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery.

Episode guest: Morgan Hannaleck is a licensed therapist, mental health speaker, and author who specializes in eating disorders, relationships, and self-worth. After surviving a life-threatening eating disorder in her teens, Morgan began a decade-long journey of healing that transformed her pain into purpose. She now uses both her personal and clinical experience to help others reconnect with themselves, challenge shame, and build lives rooted in authenticity and joy. Through speaking, writing, and therapy, Morgan empowers people—especially young women—to know they’re never too far gone to come home to themselves.

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Connect with Morgan

@beyondyourmask

Beyond Your Mask

⁠Morgan's Resource Library⁠ 

Affiliate Links

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Even during recovery the eating disorder can be sneaky. Even during recovery the eating disorder can try to control you. Recovery doesn’t mean the eating disorder never tries to return - it means you build resilience and recovery tools to respond differently when it does.
Join Kait in this short, unplanned episode where she briefly describes a time when life felt out of her control and her eating disorder tried to creep back in. This episode outlines the importance of self-compassion, staying grounded, and staying committed to her recovery journey - even when her guard was down.
Episode Topics

• Kait describes what triggered her eating disorder thoughts (2:31)
• What helped Kait stay grounded in her commitment to recovery (4:15)
• Kait shares another lesson learned from eating disorder recovery(5:52)

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Affiliate Links

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FIND THE GOOD 

Warning signs of an eating disorder are unfortunately often subtle. For many, they are only to be identified as one looks back and reflects.

In this episode, Kait sits down with Amy Goeckel - host of the Eating Disorder Diaries Podcast - for an unfiltered conversation about Amy’s lived experience with an eating disorder and her current place in recovery. Amy opens up about the early warning signs she missed, the tight grip the eating disorder had on her life, and how her healing process has evolved over time.

Episode Topics

• Amy shares her 16 year long lived experiences with Bulimia (2:05)
• How comments from Amy’s childhood fueled her eating disorder (6:20)
• How Amy’s thoughts continued to snowball (10:45)
• Amy describes the transition from thriving in secrecy to breaking the silence (18:55)
• Amy discusses the difference between rock bottom and recovery (25:43)
• The importance of inner child work in eating disorder recovery (32:58)
• Amy’s message of recovery being possible for everyone (39:55)
• 
  

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait has previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery.

Episode guest:  Amy is the host of The Eating Disorder Diaries, a podcast that chronicles her 15+ year battle with bulimia, her experience with eating disorder recovery, and features interviews from those who have been a part of her personal journey, have had their own experience with an eating disorder, or are industry experts ranging from doctors, therapists, to nutritionists. By hearing the stories of those in recovery and learning what's allowed them to heal, Amy's goal is to help others kick start or further continue their own healing process and to lead a fulfilling life knowing we are all not alone and full recovery is possible.

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠⁠

👉🏼 ⁠⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠⁠

🍒  ⁠⁠Recovery resources

Connect with Amy

@theeatingdisorderdiaries

The Eating Disorder Diaries Podcast

Affiliate Links

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FIND THE GOOD 

Eating disorders not only impact the person living with and struggling from an eating disorder, they also impact the people closest to that person.

In this episode, Kait and her best friend explore how Kait’s eating disorder impacted her friendships, relationships, and family. They also discuss what feels different about recovery for Kait this time around, and how her struggle first began. This is a conversation filled with honesty, vulnerability, and even a little bit of humor - you don’t want to miss it. 

Episode Topics:

• Kayla sets the stage and describes her perspective of Kait’s struggle with an eating disorder(2:36)
• Kait shares what is different in recovery this time around (5:38)
• Kait describes what a good and a bad day look like for her presently (7:17)
• Kait shares her future hopes and goals for eating disorder recovery (14:53)
• 
  

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait has previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery. 

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠

👉🏼 ⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠

🍒  ⁠Recovery resources

Affiliate Links

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FIND THE GOOD 

It took a bit of time but Kait finally was able to realize that her eating disorder was actually serving a purpose for her. As a result, this sparked many lessons learned as she worked through the recovery process.

In this episode, Kait shares what her eating disorder didn’t necessarily mean to teach her - but somehow did. From building a healthier relationship with herself to setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion, these lessons that Kait learned offer hope and perspective for anyone navigating recovery.

Episode topics:

• Lesson 1: The importance of looking at your emotions as messengers, not threats (6:00)
• Lesson 2: Trusting that your body has innate, protective wisdom (8:17)
• Lesson 3: There is power in admitting your struggles and setting boundaries (10:10)
• Lesson 4: You can be separate from societal standards and expectations (12:05)
• Kait reflects on the lessons she learned and her ongoing recovery journey (14:34)
• 
  

Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of eating disorder behaviors that Kait has previously engaged in. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and your recovery. 

Books mentioned in episode:

8 KEYS TO RECOVERING FROM AN EATING DISORDER

REHABILITATE, REWIRE, RECOVER

Interested in 1:1 recovery coaching with me?

👉🏼 ⁠Book your FREE Discovery Call for 1:1 recovery coaching⁠

Connect with Kait

👉🏼 ⁠@bitebybiterecovery⁠

👉🏼 ⁠bitebybiterecovery.org ⁠

🍒  ⁠Recovery resources

Affiliate Links

COMFRT 

FIND THE GOOD