After my initial approach to the Felix Project they suggested Head Chef, Leon Aarts. Rich, our sound engineer left a note on my final audio saying, “we need more people like Leon”.

He’s right. We do!

Leon comes from a food-loving family; he remembers feasts around his Grandparents’ dining table, his mother’s love of cooking and lying in bed dreaming of eating and never feeling full.

Leon was an overweight boy and although nurtured by family and friends he quietly craved validation and felt not good enough.

When Leon changed his diet things began looking up, at nineteen he encountered his first professional kitchen and instantly knew that this was it.

Leon became an award winning Michelin chef but left the industry several years later to set up a Fine Food Company in London. Still, something wasn’t right and during a Balinese retreat Leon finally saw the light. Overnight, life changed.

Leon set to work and founded three charities but his career peak was establishing the Calais Jungle kitchen in 2015.

Leon is on a mission - to feed people who would otherwise go hungry for free. Which is why he heads up the Felix Kitchen at The Felix Project, London, surrounded by similar visionary and dedicated people who feed over 4,000 hungry mouths a day.

Join me to hear Leon’s inspiring story about how he combines talent and entrepreneurship with compassion to create real and lasting change. If you need a call to action, listen to Leon Aarts.    

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [02:40] - Food as friend in childhood 
• [11:30] - Diet change
• [22:00] - Life changes - Finds charities
• [32:40] - The Felix Project

CONNECT WITH LEON AARTS:

Leon's Website

Leon's Instagram

The Felix Project

The Felix Project Website

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Stella was born into a Greek Cypriot family – a culture that loves and celebrates food - and as a child she ate freely without issue. Stella’s real joy came from performing, grabbing every opportunity to perform both at home, and school.

Despite her burgeoning talent Stella experienced an acute awareness of any ways in which she might be different. As she grew older these feelings left her feeling completely out of control. Secondary school was traumatic but at sixteen Stella fell in love with classical singing and three years later won a place at The Royal Northern School of Music.

Stella aimed for perfection but leaving home coupled with her father’s cancer diagnosis and a relationship breakup sent her over the edge.

Desperate for some control over her mental state she restricted her food intake, an old habit, which became so bad in her second year it was suggested she return home to recover.

Periods of bingeing that she found terrifying and depression which nearly destroyed her followed as she struggled to get well. But with the help of her family, therapy and music she began to heal.

Tune in to hear Stella’s take on eating disorders and how singing and writing are the bedrock for her recovery.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [01:20] - Food is foe
• [09:30] - Anorexia 
• [27:00] - Music and recovery
• [33:00] - Defences

CONNECT WITH STELLA ANGELIKA

Stella’s Instagram @stellaangelikamusic

Stella’s TikTok @stellaangelika

Listen to Stella’s music here! 

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Oli was born via Caesarean (C-section). At nine months he developed a severe egg allergy and was given antibiotics for an ear infection.

His Mum, heeding medical advice excluded nuts from Oli’s diet from then on in a bid to ease his symptoms - current thinking encourages the inclusion of potential allergens  

Oli is aligned with growing evidence that delivery by C-section increases the risk of allergies and inhibits gut microbiome.

Young Oli took his own special chocolate cake to birthday parties, as his Mum didn’t want him to feel left out. Later between the ages of 13- 20, he tried to ignore his allergies and luckily avoided serious illness.

Oli’s struggles continued at University; he had two severe reactions within six months of one another a couple of years after his course finished. Years of hyper-vigilance and adrenal exhaustion were taking their toll and his anxiety levels rocketed. Every meal became a matter of life or death, with concerns about which foods would harm, maybe, kill, and which ones would heal.

When Oli realised eating made him anxious he decided to, and I quote, “reduce the amount of times I’m eating a day to try and have fewer potential times of anxiety.”

Oli developed an eating disorder.

Join me and hear what it takes for Oli to live a life of balance when under constant threat and know that if you have life threatening allergies or intolerances you are not alone.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [07:00] - Allergies start
• [21:20] - A severe reaction
• [31:00] - Anxiety
• [43:25] - Lack of labelling

CONNECT WITH OLI WEATHERALL:

Oli's Instagram: @nutritionwitholi

Oli's Email: [email protected]

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Christian says, “ten years ago no one knew what a stoma was, especially if they were in their twenties” and it’s one reason why he didn’t share his stoma or condition with anyone other than family and close friends.

Young Christian was a picky eater but as a teenager he enjoyed a more varied diet even showing an interest in nutrition.

When Christian developed uncomfortable physical symptoms he went to his GP and was diagnosed with haemorrhoids and then IBS. However his discomfort persisted and a colonoscopy later confirmed that he was suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Christian managed his pain with strong medication and some denial, putting off medical appointments when the pain lessened, preferring to “push on through”, working long, stressful, hours.

Christian ultimately underwent the first of many operations, which was unsuccessful. His condition deteriorated resulting in him collapsing at a family party, he was rushed to hospital with only hours to live.

After months of pain and trauma Christian’s bowel was removed and he was given a stoma.

Join me to hear Christian’s incredible story and enlightening journey of life with a stoma - a must listen for anybody interested in gut health, nutrition and overcoming disease.

P.S. Six weeks before this interview (May 2022) Christian’s stoma was removed and a new chapter in his life began. 

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [02:30] - Ulcerative Colitis
• [12:10] - Stoma
• [39:00] - Opens up about stoma
• [41:30] - Stoma free

CONNECT WITH CHRISTIAN HOLCOMBE:

Christian’s Instagram: @chptwirral

Christian’s Facebook: CH Personal Training Wirral

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Carolina had an unstable childhood with an alcoholic father and emotionally distant mother who could be physically abusive. When Carolina was nine her mother put her on a diet.

Bullying at school, compounded by disparaging remarks from her brothers made Carolina feel worthless, like “the fat kid” and as if she were somehow inherently wrong.

However, it was her mother’s revelation during a rare conversation that catapulted her over the edge and into full-blown eating disorders.

“The world just stopped, for such a long time, and then it just imploded.”

Years of further trauma followed Carolina as she struggled with bulimia and anorexia. But one day when she lacked the strength to climb aboard the local bus, her best friend staged an intervention and with her help, Carolina slowly began to recover. 

Today Carolina is a mental health advocate and speaker intent on communicating a message of hope and freedom.

Join me to hear Carolina’s inspirational story and how she managed to turn her life around and fully recover. 

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [08:00] - Family secret
• [18:40] - Recovery
• [24:25] - Depression
• [35:10] - Mental Health Advocate and BEAT Ambassador

CONNECT WITH CAROLINA MOUNTFORD:

Carolina’s Instagram: @carolinamountford

Carolina’s Website: carolinamountford.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Carolyn Steel is a leading thinker on food and cities; she was hailed by The Ecologist Magazine as a, ‘21st Century Visionary.”

Carolyn was brought up in a family who celebrated food at every opportunity. Her grandparents ran a country house hotel and Carolyn spent endless weekends in the kitchen behind the scenes fascinated with everything, food.

She says, “Food is pure love. A love affair! I always get very excited when I’m hungry because I know it’s time to eat again.”

Carolyn, initially, trained as an architect but when she learnt to view a “city” through the lens of food her work finally made sense. Her original book “Hungry City” explores how to feed a city and her follow up; “Sitopia” is about how food can save the world.

Carolyn’s passion is based on how our society values food, or not. How it shapes our world, what that means and what we can do with that idea.

Tune in to hear much more with the inspirational Carolyn Steel - she’s my choice for Prime Minister, President and Saviour of the Natural World and... The Universe.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [09:00] - Childhood at the hotel 
• [21:00] - Social Reform
• [28:00] - Valuing Food
• [37:08] - Sitopia

CONNECT WITH CAROLYN STEEL:

Carolyn’s Twitter: @carolynsteel

Carolyn’s Website: carolynsteel.com

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Dan was always the “skinny kid,” who played sports at Academy level. He had a small appetite and scant regard for food but was happy to eat whatever was put in front of him at home.

Dan’s interest in food grew at University where he hit the gym to build muscle and attain the stereotypical male physique portrayed in videos, and the social media platforms at that time.

Then food became functional, a tool for achieving goals, namely weight gain followed by weight loss. Dan found both journeys difficult and revelatory

But his enjoyment and respect for food flourished when he left an unfulfilling career in television and began his nutritional training.

Today Dan runs a compassionate and unique nutritional practice for his clients having “been there, and done that,” he understands what it takes to manage expectations around food, and live well.

Join me to hear Dan’s expert take on nutrition, us having natter about societal pressures on men and women and how to make friends with food.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [06:45] - Changes body
• [15:40] - Pursuing the “ideal” physique
• [21:00] - Men and physiques
• [30:41] - Dan’s nutrition mission  

CONNECT WITH DAN PRICE:

Dan’s Instagram: @danprice_nutrition

Dan’s Website: danpricenutrition.com/ 

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Niki Rein was born in Seattle where the climate, similar to Northern Europe, dictates a carbohydrate heavy diet.

An avid soccer player and very active, Niki’s hormonal problems began when she was twelve. Years of debilitating symptoms, trips to the doctor and pharmaceutical prescriptions followed as Niki fought her body and her “unknown” condition.

During her late teens Niki read “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” by Christiane Northrup who described the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Niki knew immediately that the description matched everything she had been going through and when a medical diagnosis confirmed her PCOS, she finally had something to work with.

Niki moved to California where she drank vegetable juice, fasted, began isometric exercise and became gluten free. Her symptoms improved but still she relied on will power to “push on through.”

The turning point came when Niki discovered Charles Poliquin and his low carbohydrate/no sugar way of eating as medicine and method for healing.

Join me to hear Niki talk about PCOS and her expert advice from personal experience.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [03:00] - Hormonal issues
• [16:00] - Diagnosis of PCOS 
• [26:00] - Dietary changes 
• [33:20] - Charles Poliquin (First Biohacker)

CONNECT WITH NIKI

@niki_rein

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Compared to his younger brothers and school friends, Jamie was a ‘chubby kid’ who always wanted larger portions. At home, his parents made healthy, wholesome food, which meant Jamie ate well and freely. Today, he enjoys a well-nuanced relationship with food and his body.

Jamie liked sport but when he went to University he fell in love with the gym and lifting weights.

Initially pursuing a career in PR Jamie enjoyed socialising and office culture but his diet and exercise suffered.

Later on, work felt unfulfilling. He changed jobs several times; chasing an elusive spark but the feeling of “floating along” remained until one day he burnt out.

Right before the Pandemic, Jamie enrolled on a Personal Training (PT) course and when lockdown took hold, he was made redundant but he was finally free to pursue his dream and the work he loves.

Join me to hear Jamie talk about balance; learning and how great it feels to start again.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [02:11 ] - Food is friend
• [15:50] - Changes his look
• [24:50] - Unfulfilled with life
• [29:55] - Training menopausal women

CONNECT WITH JAMIE:

@jbournefitness

@groundwork_training 

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @lovethisfoodthing and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.

Sean was an overweight child, maybe because of his parents' divorce. One of Sean’s fondest food memories growing up is the Burger King, and Pizza Hut treats given him by his Mum who was a single parent.

Sean’s life took off when he started his career in media production. Overnight all focus on food lessened, although being in the public eye brought certain pressures, which were reflected in his fluctuating weight and varied exercise regimes.

When Sean first encountered veganism he took it on as a personal challenge liking that it was hard to do but finding it difficult to sustain.

Fast-forward a few years and Sean re-committed to a vegan lifestyle. This time his motives were purely ethical and his experience entirely different.

Veganism allows Sean to live a compassionate and conscious life. For him it is the only way.

Today Sean is also a dedicated vegan advocate and promoter. He is the founder of SoFloVegans - representing the vegan community in South Florida and the author of Pre Vegans; ten inspiring stories from prominent vegans about how and why they started their vegan journey.

Join me, be inspired by Sean, and understand why he loves all things vegan.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• [07:50] - Angry Eating
• [13:00] - Finds veganism
• [22:25] - Effects from veganism
• [34:40] - Sean’s book Pre Vegans

CONNECT WITH SEAN RUSSELL:

@SoFloVegans

@seanrussell82

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

If you enjoyed this episode, please let me know your thoughts on Instagram @thisfoodthingpodcast and consider leaving an honest review and rating for the show on iTunes. I'd be extremely grateful. Don’t forget to also subscribe to the show at the top of this page! We are currently running a Crowdfunder to help fund the podcast and those unable to afford 1:1 therapy. You can check it out here, we’d love any donations and please spread the word.