Too often do we dismiss mental health struggles as problems that plague one group. But these problems can plague anyone - black or white, young or old, rich or poor. Eating disorders in particular are something that greatly affect Gen-Z, as we are continuously bombarded with talk of fast diets, weight loss fixes, and displays of what the “perfect body” looks like. 

On today’s episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, we sat down with three amazing guests, all of which have had their own personal struggles with eating disorders/disordered eating, and have used their careers and platforms to change the conversation surrounding them. 

Domenica Feraud is a playwright and professional actress having starred in popular shows such as Law & Order: SVU. Feraud received formal education at the TIsch School of Arts at NYU and recently developed and starred in the production Rinse, Repeat (2019). Rinse Repeat is a play that focuses on the relationship between a mother and her daughter and the dangers of diet culture. Utilizing her own personal struggle with an eating disorder and her mother’s battle with orthorexia, Feraud hopes to bring about more of an inclusive awareness and break down the myths surrounding disordered eating through more creative projects. Read more about Rinse Repeat in this article featured in Vogue and follow Domenica on social media. 

Misha Osherovich is an actor, writer, filmmaker, producer, and mental health advocate. He stars in The Goldfinch, NOS4A2, and the play A Clockwork Orange. Misha has struggled with an eating disorder since adolescence and still considers himself to be on an ongoing journey with recovery. Osherovich, along with co-producer Angelica Santiago, created and starred in the independent film, E.very, D.ay, to reflect the lives of two individuals struggling with an active eating disorder. Misha hopes that this project and future ones will help highlight the secretive nature of this disease. Connect with Misha on Instagram and watch the trailer for his film, E.very D.ay. 

Dr. Jennifer Rollin is a licensed therapist who specializes in helping clients deal with their eating disorders and disordered eating habits. Jennifer is also the founder of The Eating Disorder Center, a group practice located in Rockville, Maryland. Having dealt with her own personal struggles with disordered eating, Rollin is now on a mission to combat the destructive messages being pushed onto young people by today’s media. Jennifer has carefully crafted recovery coaching programs and trainings for those who suffer from disordered eating. She is also a writer for The Huffington Post and Psychology Today. Be sure to check out her personal blog for more updates and helpful tips and follow Jennifer on Instagram here.  

Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we covered this season! You can also apply to become a Brand Ambassador or join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you next week! 

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.