Julianne Forrest, former star of The Real Housewives of New York, opens up about her deeply personal journey with bulimia, recovery, identity, and healing.

Julianne shares how growing up in a high-pressure environment and struggling with perfectionism contributed to the development of her eating disorder at a young age. She reflects on how the loss of structure in her life triggered the disorder, and how secrecy and shame kept it alive for years.

Julianne discusses her experience in treatment, the importance of honesty in recovery, and the life-changing moment she realized that “secrets keep you sick.”

She also shares what it was like to step into the public spotlight on The Real Housewives of New York, the vulnerability of speaking openly about her struggles on television, and how her recovery journey continues today through meditation, spirituality, and self-awareness.

This episode explores the realities of eating disorders, the power of recovery, and how even life’s most difficult moments can lead to growth, healing, and purpose.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or addiction, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a reminder that recovery is possible.

Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/

Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.

00:00 Introduction

Charles Rosa’s life could have ended in jail — or worse.

Charles shares how a spiritual awakening led him to treatment, how a bicycle became the foundation of his discipline, and how a single sparring session at American Top Team lit the fire that would carry him into the UFC.

From riding 9 miles to the gym every day…
To winning 20 amateur fights in a row…
To fighting under the bright lights of the Boston Garden…

Follow Charles: https://www.instagram.com/charlesrosamma/ 

This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help.

00:00 – Introduction

Host Michael Herbert brings over 35 years of personal recovery experience and 37 years working in addiction and mental health to introduce a broader, more expansive view of recovery.

This episode explores what recovery really means — beyond meetings and abstinence. While abstinence gets you in the door, what keeps you there is building a life worth staying sober for.

Michael shares his philosophy of trying “a thousand things and finding the five that work,” and why recovery includes perseverance, spirituality, journaling, exercise, diet, purpose, adventure, and even reclaiming dreams you may have abandoned.

This podcast is for:

Recovery is not about perfection.

There is hope — and this is your guide.

Follow Guardian: https://www.instagram.com/guardianrecovery/

Follow Michael Herbert: https://www.instagram.com/coachmichaelherbert/

This episode is sponsored by Guardian Recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, Guardian can help.

Visit https://www.guardianrecovery.com  or call 888-721-3790 for confidential support and guidance.