Welcome to episode 6 of Food for Thought! I’m thrilled to be joined by Emmy Award-winning composer, and my boyfriend, Mic Ferrante. In this episode, Mic shares his perspective on supporting me through my recovery journey. We talk about some of the more challenging moments, the fear of co-dependence in recovery, and so much more. If you or your partner are navigating eating disorder recovery, this episode is for you.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 - 0:33: Intro

0:33 - 1:27: Welcome Mic

1:27 - 5:06: Mic’s Introduction

5:06 - 7:41: What was your experience like?

7:41 - 11:11: Being a good listener

11:11 - 16:23 - Do you feel stressed having me rely on you?

16:23 - 20:40: During harder moments, what goes through your head?

20:40 - 26:39: Communication is key

26:39 - 32:04: Has the ED become the center of our relationship?

32:04 - 33:29: Piece of advice

33:29 - 34:29: Please like, follow, comment, and share!

In this episode of Food for Thought, I sit down with Adam Hassan, a senior musical theatre major at USC, to talk about his eating disorder recovery journey. Adam opens up about growing up surrounded by negative comments, how his upbringing shaped his relationship with food, and the challenges he faced along the way. Through recovery, he has discovered a renewed connection with his artistry, learned to take up space, and embraced confidence as a creative. Thank you, Adam, for sharing your powerful story and insights. You are an inspiration.

Podcast Timeline:

0:00 - 0:16: Welcome!

0:16 - 2:08: Adam’s Introduction

2:08 - 5:36: Eating Disorder History

5:36 - 10:07: A Sign from the Universe

10:07 - 12:35: Growing up Faster

12:35 - 13:53: Childhood Experiences Change You

13:53 - 17:06: Fear of Taking up Space

17:06 - 20:35: Food and Culture vs ED

20:35 - 23:10: Finding your Artistry in Recovery

23:10 - 27:40 - Rehearsal Struggles

27:40 - 42:24 - Finding your Artistry in Reovery continued

42:24 - 43:10: Advice and Words of Encouragement

43:10 - 44:03: Please like, comment, follow, and share

In today’s episode of Food for Thought, I sat down with Katya Kleinhenz, who bravely shares her eating disorder and recovery journey. She opens up about what her recovery process has looked like and how theater has been a powerful catalyst in her healing. So often, people lose sight of their passions when they’re deep in their illness, and while this happened for Katya, she fought her way back.

Thank you, Katya, for sharing your story and reminding us all that recovery is not only possible but worth fighting for. You are truly an inspiration, and I loved getting the chance to talk with you.

Timestamps:

0:00 - 0:18: Katya's Story

0:18 - 1:02: Katya's Introduction

1:02 - 2:03: Performance History

2:03 - 7:10: Eating Disorder and Recovery Journey

7:10 - 9:50: EDs can start young

9:50 - 13:55: Doctors and Invalidation

13:55 - 15:51: Losing Passions

15:51 - 24:29: Life-Changing Roles

24:29 - 27:19: Recovery Success

27:19 - 30:55: Recovery Advice and Encouragement

30:55 - 31:39: Like, Comment, Follow, and Share!

In today’s episode of Food for Thought, I sit down with dancer and musical theatre performer Tori M. Lopez as we discuss her long, harrowing journey through eating disorder recovery. Based in NYC, Tori has been through a great deal, and we open up about her struggles with balancing health and college life, the rewards and power of recovery, challenges within the healthcare system, and more. Tori’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, artistry, and beauty. She proves that recovery is possible, worth it, and that we can achieve our dreams. I hope you enjoy the episode. Thank you again, Tori, for your support, vulnerability, and transparency. You are an inspiration to performers and to anyone currently struggling.

Resources:

Book: The Body is Not An Apology

Workbook: YOUR Body Is Not An Apology

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

AllianceForEatingDisorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/

The Renfrew Alumni Chat Line: 610 - 465 - 1421

The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders

Topic Timeline:

00:38 - Tori’s Intro

1:30 - Tori’s ED Journey

05:17 - Doctors and ED Invalidation

07:18 - ED Glamorization: Wanting to be Seen

08:56 - Cultural Influences and Treatment Struggles

16:10 - Journey to Recovery and Self Discovery

21:00 - Embracing Recovery and Finding Strength

22:30 - Categorization and EDs

24:21 - Accepting the Diagnosis

28:24 - Eating Disorder’s Effects on Performance

33:31 - The Power of Recovery and Resilliance

36:42 - Challenges in the Healthcare System

39: 22 - Resources for Recovery and Support

40: 04 - Advice and Words of Encouragement

In this episode of Food For Thought, I sit down with my best friend for an honest and heartfelt conversation about what it really means to support someone through an eating disorder. Together, we reflect on the early days before he knew what I was going through, the difficult and scary moments we’ve faced, and how our communication has grown stronger through it all. We talk about the difference between supporting and enabling, what he’s learned along the way, and how friends and loved ones can show up with compassion while also setting healthy boundaries.

Whether you’re navigating recovery yourself or want to better support someone you care about, this episode offers a candid look into the ups and downs of being part of a support system and the impact that patience, honesty, and understanding can make.

In today’s episode, I open up about my personal journey with an eating disorder and the path to recovery. As a performer, the challenges I faced deeply impacted both my artistic and academic life. Now, as the founder of The Green Room Recovery Project, I’m choosing to be vulnerable and reflect honestly on my story, hoping it inspires others to believe that recovery is not only possible, but worth it. Thank you for being here. I hope this episode resonates with you.

While there are no mentions of numbers or in depth details about my ED, if any mention of my own ED struggles will be triggering, please skip 3:23 - 22:19!