Project Unlaced

Project Unlaced

projectunlaced.org / @project_unlaced Project Unlaced is a youth-led movement dedicated to supporting young women's mental health and self-worth in a world that pressures them to shrink, especially in the age of technology. Through community building and education, we work toward a world where young women are safer online and no longer suffer in silence.

  1. Erica Mulholland on Strength Training, Injury Prevention, and Empowering Female Athletes

    26 JAN

    Erica Mulholland on Strength Training, Injury Prevention, and Empowering Female Athletes

    In this episode of Project Unlaced, we’re joined by Erica Mulholland, a certified speed, agility, and strength coach and former Hall of Fame soccer player. Erica shares how her journey from elite athlete to coach shaped her mission to help young female athletes train smarter, stay healthy, and build confidence. Erica’s Athletic Journey Erica reflects on her path from youth soccer to semi-professional play in the U.S. and Brazil, and how passion, discipline, and resilience shaped her approach to both sport and life. Strength Training for Female Athletes We dive into common myths around girls lifting weights, why strength training is essential for performance and injury prevention, and how consistency—not overtraining—makes the biggest difference. Injury Prevention & ACL Rehab Erica explains why ACL and meniscus injuries are so common in soccer, what traditional rehab often gets wrong, and how proper return-to-play training builds both physical readiness and mental confidence. Coaching the Whole Athlete From body awareness and movement fundamentals to confidence-building and fun, competitive training environments, Erica shares how she supports athletes through growth, setbacks, and success. Advice for Young Athletes Erica closes with a powerful reminder: trust the process, embrace the highs and lows, and know that every part of the journey is shaping who you’ll become.

    29 min
  2. Jason Wood on Orthorexia, Eating Disorder Recovery, and Breaking Stereotypes

    21 JAN

    Jason Wood on Orthorexia, Eating Disorder Recovery, and Breaking Stereotypes

    In this episode of Project Unlaced, we sit down with Jason Wood, Director of Community Engagement at ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders), to talk about eating disorders, recovery, and breaking long-standing stigma—especially for men. Jason shares his personal journey with orthorexia, including how weight-based bullying, perfectionism, and diet culture fueled over 20 years of disordered eating. He opens up about the pivotal moment in 2020 that led him to seek help and how recovery has reshaped his understanding of health, identity, and connection. Together, we explore: What orthorexia is and how “healthy eating” can become harmfulHow eating disorders impact mental, social, and emotional health, not just foodWhy men’s eating disorder experiences are often overlookedThe role of perfectionism, control, and routine in eating disordersHow sharing your story can be a powerful part of healingWays friends, family, and coaches can support someone without causing shameWhy recovery is nonlinear and doesn’t have a “look”Jason also talks about writing his book Starving for Survival, the importance of representation, and the work ANAD is doing to provide free, peer-led support to anyone struggling or supporting someone with an eating disorder. If you or someone you love is navigating disordered eating, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical insight—along with a reminder that you are not alone. Resources mentioned: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD): anad.orgANAD Helpline, support groups, and peer mentorship programs (all free)

    31 min

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projectunlaced.org / @project_unlaced Project Unlaced is a youth-led movement dedicated to supporting young women's mental health and self-worth in a world that pressures them to shrink, especially in the age of technology. Through community building and education, we work toward a world where young women are safer online and no longer suffer in silence.