The Other Side Of The Plate

F.E.A.S.T.

The Other Side of the Plate is brought to you by FEAST (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders). This podcast is for moms, dads, and caregivers searching for answers that can feel so hard to find when your loved one has an eating disorder. Hosts Jenni and Laura are caregivers with lived experience supporting their own loved ones to full recovery. They share personal insights, discuss interactions with professionals, and point you toward helpful resources. Each episode is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this complex journey. Topics covered include how to recognize the signs of an eating disorder, take effective action, advocate for your child, provide crucial support at home, and many other important topics caregivers face on the path to recovery. As we say at FEAST: "We're here because we've been there." Subscribe now to join a community that truly understands. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    011 - Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports Recovery

    Episode 011 Title: Stronger Together: How Caregiver Alignment Supports Recovery In this episode, Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen dive into the vital but often overlooked topic of caregiver alignment. They discuss how eating disorders can exploit "cracks" in relationships and the profound impact—both positive and negative—that caregiver unity has on a child’s recovery trajectory. Listeners will gain practical tools for managing disagreements, setting non-negotiable boundaries, and balancing the heavy lifting of treatment with the need to protect their own relationships. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 01:02 Defining Caregiver Alignment 03:09 Why Alignment is Critical for Recovery 07:46 The Consequences of Misalignment 09:10 Common Conflict Areas: Meals, Consequences, and Parenting Styles 11:02 Balancing the Workload: Resentment vs. Appreciating Strengths 16:53 External Alignment: Grandparents, Teachers, and Coaches 20:25 Navigating Co-Parenting and Divorce 24:59 Practical Strategies: Education and the Family Recovery Plan 30:34 Managing Disagreements in Front of Your Loved One 40:03 The Power of the 10-Minute Check-In 42:16 Trusting Yourself When Alignment Isn’t Possible SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ The Other Side of the Plate podcast episode: The Importance of Male Caregivers in ED Recovery (with Kevin Dunn) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/19f1d2bb-799e-4111-823d-e0db02f3e6c5 (FEAST Blog Post-Abby Sarrett-Cooper) Parental Alignment in FBT (FEAST Blog Post-Judy Krasna) Parenting and Partnership (FEAST Blog Post-Sarah) Not on Board But Weathering the Same Storm Host Bios Jenni Gaines and Laura Cohen are caregivers with lived experience who have supported their loved ones through eating disorder treatment. Together, they serve the FEAST community by sharing personal insights and connecting parents with the professional resources necessary to navigate recovery.

    48 min
  2. JAN 21

    010 - A Personal Recovery Journey: Insights for Caregivers (with Hannah Hickinbotham)

    Episode 010 A Personal Recovery Journey: Insights for Caregivers (with Hannah Hickinbotham) In this episode, Jenni speaks with Hannah Hickenbotham, founder of the UK-based "Full of Beans" podcast about eating disorder awareness. Hannah shares her personal journey through atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia, and the late ADHD diagnosis (after 14 years of struggling) that finally unlocked her path to recovery. This conversation offers caregivers rare insight into what recovery looks like from the inside: why resistance happens, what support actually helps, and how to find "glimmers" of hope even in the darkest moments. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 06:19 What Caregivers Can Learn from Lived Experience 10:03 Hannah's Journey: Diet Culture and Feeling Different 15:53 Atypical Anorexia: The Pain of "Not Quite There" 17:22 Eating Disorders as Emotional Regulation 26:33 Advice for Parents: What Helped and What Didn't 34:21 Understanding Resistance: "Facing Your Worst Nightmare" 44:46 Thanking and Releasing the Eating Disorder (EMDR) 47:32 Supporters Who Made a Difference 54:41 Finding Daily Glimmers: Advice for Struggling Families SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ Hannah’s website: https://www.wearefullofbeans.com/ Listen to Hannah’s podcast on your favorite app: The Full of Beans Podcast Guest Bio Hannah Hickinbotham is the founder of Full of Beans, an eating disorder awareness podcast all about reducing stigma and amplifying lived experience. Through inspiring conversations with people with lived experience of an eating disorder, alongside clinicians and researchers, Hannah creates a space where listeners can feel understood, validated, and a little less alone. Hannah has lived experience of atypical anorexia, body dysmorphia, and ADHD, and found her path to recovery after finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis 14 years later. Passionate about widening the conversation beyond stereotypes, she reminds people that recovery is possible, even when it doesn’t look how you expected.

    58 min
  3. JAN 7

    009 - Navigating Family Based Treatment (with Dr. Amy Boyers)

    Episode 009 Navigating Family Based Treatment (with Dr. Amy Boyers) In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura and Jenni welcome Dr. Amy Boyers, co-founder and president of Galen Hope and a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience treating eating disorders. Laura and Amy's friendship stretches back to childhood in Miami, making for a warm and candid conversation about family-based treatment (FBT). Dr. Boyers traces the evolution of eating disorder treatment from the "parentectomy" era of the eighties and nineties through the emergence of FBT, explaining the three phases of the manualized protocol while advocating for what she calls "FBT with a twist": adding meal support coaches, dietitians, respite from grandparents, and regular therapy sessions for burnt-out caregivers. She addresses common reasons families stall (inconsistent monitoring, "clean eating" that can't achieve caloric density, reluctance to enforce meaningful consequences) and offers a memorable reframe: when one part of a family system changes, the other parts engage in "change back behaviors" to restore the status quo. Dr. Boyers emphasizes that FBT is only the "gold standard" if it works for your family, and encourages parents to develop a Plan B before they need it. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:03 Meet Dr. Amy Boyers: From Childhood Friends to Eating Disorder Expert 06:42 What Is FBT? From Maudsley to Lock and Le Grange 13:25 When FBT Isn't the Right Fit: Recognizing Family Dynamics 21:52 Common Reasons Families Stall: "Change Back Behaviors" 27:07 Caloric Density and the "Two Entire Birds" Problem 29:25 Consequences That Signal Commitment 37:00 FBT with a Twist: Adding Coaches, Dietitians, and Therapy 45:02 When to Transition Away from FBT 51:35 The Future of FBT and Treatment 53:57 Advice for Families Starting Their FBT Journey SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ Link from Dr. Amy Boyers: https://www.galenhope.com/eating-disorders/10-foods-for-anorexia-refeeding/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ (FEAST webinar August 2025) When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment (FEAST webinar slides August 2025) When FBT Alone May Not Be Enough: Adding DBT into Treatment (FEAST Webinar-July 2024) How We Developed FBT and Why it Works (FEAST webinar December 2025) Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in Recovery (FEAST webinar slides December 2025) Family Based Treatment for Young Adults: Parents as Partners in Recovery Treating Eating Disorders -...

    59 min
  4. 12/17/2025

    008 - Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici)

    Episode 008 Body Image and Eating Disorders (with Dr. Anita Federici) In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a clinical psychologist and globally respected expert on eating disorders and DBT. Dr. Federici challenges the common assumption that body image naturally improves after weight restoration, explaining that for many people, body disturbance isn't a "lag" but a core neurobiological feature of eating disorders rooted in sensory and perceptual differences. The conversation explores the distinction between body dysmorphia and negative body image, the power of validation as a "safety signal," and practical communication strategies for caregivers—including Dr. Federici's four-step framework: validate what makes sense, reinforce adaptive behavior, invite rather than impose help, and offer sensory-based coping tools. Drawing parallels to how clinicians treat psychosis and dementia, Dr. Federici makes a compelling case for believing patients' lived experiences rather than dismissing them. This episode offers caregivers both scientific grounding and practical hope for supporting loved ones through the often-misunderstood struggles of living in their "earth suit." 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:02 Meet Dr. Anita Federici: 25 Years in the Eating Disorders Field 06:30 The Body Image "Lag": Why It May Not Be a Lag at All 14:36 Validation as a Safety Signal 17:39 Body Dysmorphia vs. Negative Body Image: The "Earth Suit" 24:27 Normal Body Dissatisfaction vs. Warning Signs 30:35 What to Say: The "You Make Sense" Conversation 41:33 Hair on Fire: Sensory Tools During Acute Treatment 44:47 Lessons from Treating Psychosis and Dementia 50:01 A Message of Hope: Start Where You Are SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T. Workshop 8 (Sunday – December 21, 2025) What To Say When You Don’t Know What To Say Led by Dr. Anita Federici Bio: Dr. Anita Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, specializing in evidence-based treatment for eating disorders, emotion regulation challenges, and trauma. A sought-after international trainer, consultant, and researcher, she is also co-author of Treating Eating Disorders with DBT: The MED-DBT Protocol (Guilford Press, 2024) https://www.guilford.com/books/Treating-Eating-Disorders-with-DBT/Federici-Wisniewski/9781462558483?srsltid=AfmBOooqJiiIH63_128Czz7N-n3W5tZvzP_8I5o5mOPsw0JhVuQN5PAZ

    52 min
  5. 12/03/2025

    007 - The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn)

    Episode 007 The Importance of Male Caregivers in Eating Disorder Recovery (with Kevin Dunn) In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura discuss the often overlooked role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery with special guest Kevin Dunn. Kevin, a seasoned volunteer and the Director of Family Mentorship at Equip, shares insights from his eight-year journey supporting his daughter through an eating disorder. The conversation covers the emotional challenges men face, the importance of humility, validation, distress tolerance, and the transformative power of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Kevin emphasizes the need for male caregivers to be present, practice active listening, and collaborate openly with other caregivers. This episode aims to shed light on how inclusive caregiving can enhance recovery outcomes and the unique strengths men bring to the table. 00:00  Introduction to the Podcast 01:02  Meet Kevin Dunn: From Caregiver to Men of FEAST Founder 04:01  Kevin's Personal Story: A Daughter's Diagnosis at Age 8 10:55  The Birth of Men of FEAST 14:56  Creating a Safe Space for Male Caregivers 18:16  Why Male Voices Matter in Recovery 22:26  Getting Aligned as a Team: "Same Bookstore, Not Same Page" 27:29  Essential Skills: Humility, Acceptance, and Validation 42:58  Baby Steps for Dads: Be Present, Be Available, Listen 51:18  Silver Linings and a Message of Hope SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ Men of FEAST:  https://feast-ed.org/men-of-feast/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/

    56 min
  6. 11/19/2025

    006 - Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery

    Episode 006 Handling the Holidays with a Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Laura Cohen and Jenny Gaines discuss managing the holidays when a loved one is not in residential or in-patient treatment and is able to be with their family at home (or able to travel with family for the holidays). They share strategies for caregivers to support their loved ones and the importance of self-care for caregivers, and the episode concludes with a look ahead to their next guest, Kevin Dunn, who will discuss the role of male caregivers in eating disorder recovery. Also, the upcoming Weekend Workshop on November 22 will include discussion about handling the holidays when your loved one is in the hospital or in a residential treatment center and unable to be home.  00:00  Introduction to the Podcast 01:14  The Emotional Complexity of Holidays with an Eating Disorder 04:13  Personal Stories: Spending Holidays Differently 05:01  Preparing Ahead: Planning Meals, Routines, and Responses 08:52  Navigating Challenging Family Conversations 15:30  Setting Boundaries and Creating "Escape Plans" 19:35  Religious Considerations and Creating New Traditions 25:45  Giving Yourself Permission: This Is Temporary 30:12  Practical Tips: Holiday Outfits and Being Flexible 33:58  Closing and Preview of Next Episode SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ Resources: Episode 3 - The Other Side Of The Plate Podcast https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4fe0267f-7008-4717-b9bb-f1e3f9d07e11/ Laura and Jenni both recommend going back to listen to this episode for guidance on whether/how to tell family members about the eating disorder. FEAST Weekend Workshops - F.E.A.S.T.   There’s still time to register for Workshop 6, Handling the Holidays, as part of FEAST’s Weekend Workshop series: Saturday – November 22, 2025 at 12:00 Noon Eastern US / 5:00 PM UK Led by Kate Craigen, PhD and Judy Krasna, F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director Other resources: Navigating Ramadan with an Eating Disorder - F.E.A.S.T. webinarThe Challenge of Holidays - F.E.A.S.T. blog post by Judy Krasna

    35 min
  7. 11/05/2025

    005 - The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy Krasna

    Episode 005 The Heart of FEAST: A Conversation with Judy Krasna In this episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura sit down with a very special guest: Judy Krasna, the Executive Director of FEAST. Judy shares her powerful personal journey from finding FEAST as a parent in Israel to leading FEAST as a global organization. She discusses the core mission of FEAST—parents helping parents—and what makes its community so unique.  The episode covers the vital role of volunteers, key resources for new families like 'FEAST 30 Days' and the 'Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and a message of hope that recovery is possible and parents are not to blame. 00:10  Introduction to the Podcast 01:02  Welcoming Judy Krasna, Executive Director of FEAST 01:41  Judy's Personal Journey: From Parent to Executive Director 03:42  The Mission and Values of FEAST: Parents Helping Parents 05:23  What Makes the FEAST Community Special? 07:05  Clarifying Misconceptions about FEAST: All Ages and Treatment Types 08:53  The Heart and Soul of FEAST: The Volunteers 11:10  Where to Start: FEAST 30 Days & The Caregiver Skills Toolkit 15:07  Judy's Biggest Hope for Families: Feeling Less Alone 16:44  Key Advice for New Parents: A Marathon, Not a Sprint 19:13  Common Threads: The Universal Caregiver Experience 22:34  The Reality of Caregiver Self-Care 25:25  The Future of FEAST: Opportunities and Challenges 28:31  How Listeners Can Support FEAST's Mission 30:44  A Personal Story Illustrating the Heart of the Community 33:35  Final Message: Hope, Recovery, and You Are Not to Blame 35:53  Conclusion and How to Get Involved BIO - JUDY KRASNA Judy Krasna has been involved in the eating disorders space as a parent advocate and an expert by experience for over 15 years. She was an active volunteer in the Academy for Eating Disorders and is a staunch advocate for incorporating lived experience into research and treatment. After serving on the F.E.A.S.T. Board of Directors and taking on multiple volunteer roles within the organization, Judy stepped into the position of F.E.A.S.T. Executive Director in early 2021. Judy is passionate about helping families of people with eating disorders, especially after her daughter Gavriella took her own life after a fierce and prolonged battle with anorexia. SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ FEAST flyer: https://feast-ed.org/programs-and-services/ Resources: FEAST 30 Days   FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit Around the Dinner Table Forum Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group Become a Parent Support Volunteer at F.E.A.S.T. a href="https://feast-ed.org/donate/"...

    37 min
  8. 10/14/2025

    004 - A Roadmap to Key FEAST Resources

    Episode 004 A Roadmap to Key F.E.A.S.T. Resources In this episode of 'The Other Side of the Plate,' host Jenni Gaines provides an in-depth look at crucial resources offered by FEAST, an organization dedicated to supporting families dealing with eating disorders. The episode covers educational programs such as the 'FEAST 30 Days' program, the 'FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit,' and the 'Family Guide series,' which provide vital information on managing eating disorders. Jenni also highlights peer support options like caregiver and sibling support groups as well as the 'Men of FEASTt' community for male caregivers. The episode aims to offer caregivers actionable insights, emotional support, and a sense of community, emphasizing that they are not alone in their journey. 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Jenny's Personal Journey and Key Resources 03:16 FEAST 30 Days Program 08:20 Caregiver Skills Toolkit 12:57 Family Guide Series 15:21 Peer Support Resources 18:57 Online Communities and Email Support 22:59 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  FEAST website: https://feast-ed.org/ Resources: FEAST 30 Days   FEAST 30 Days - Spanish FEAST Caregiver Skills Toolkit  Using Leverage: A Guide To Promoting Compliance And Striking A Balance Between Compassion And Limits In Eating Disorder Treatment Getting Started with Refeeding: A Guide to Moving Forward When You’re Not Sure What Comes Next Caregiver & Sibling Support Group - F.E.A.S.T. Men of FEAST Around the Dinner Table Forum Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group Email Support: parentsupport@feast-ed.org

    25 min
  9. 10/01/2025

    001 - Where to Start: Recognizing and Responding to Your Child’s Eating Disorder

    001 - Where to Start: Recognizing and Responding to Your Child’s Eating Disorder In this inaugural episode of The Other Side of the Plate, hosts Jenni and Laura introduce the new F.E.A.S.T. podcast aimed at helping parents and caregivers navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of eating disorder caregiving. Both hosts share their personal experiences as mothers who supported their children through eating disorders; they discuss recognizing the signs of eating disorders, the importance of early intervention, and the initial steps parents can take once they suspect their child may have an eating disorder. The episode stresses the importance of trusting parental instincts, seeking proper medical assessment, and obtaining reliable information and support from trusted resources like F.E.A.S.T. The discussion also touches on the crucial role of nutrition in treatment, how to deal with the shock of diagnosis, and the vital importance of parent involvement in the treatment process. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:03 Meet the Hosts: Jenni and Laura 02:26 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder 04:17 Personal Stories and Early Signs 14:30 Medical Advice and Pediatrician Visits 21:38 Emergency Situations and Resources 22:47 Importance of Medical Assessments 28:13 Key Questions for Parents 29:29 Understanding Safe School Attendance 30:49 Balancing Physical Activity and Eating Disorders 33:13 The Emotional Impact of Eating Disorders 36:20 Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder 44:56 The Importance of Nutritional Rehabilitation 48:36 The Role of Parents in Treatment 52:58 Final Thoughts and Resources SUPPORT & RESOURCES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  AED’s Guide to Medical Care of Eating Disorders   AED’s Emergency Room Guide  FEAST 30 Days What Constitutes Good Medical Care for Pediatric Eating Disorders?  (FEAST Webinar July 2025)  What Does Good Medical Care Look LIke? A Guide for Parents of Children with Eating Disorders (FEAST Webinar Slides July 2025)  Around the Dinner Table Forum Around the Dinner Table-Facebook group  ► Learn more on the F.E.A.S.T. website: https://feast-ed.org  ► Connect with our supportive parent community forum: https://feast-ed.org/forum/ ► Follow F.E.A.S.T. on Social Media: https://feast–ed.org/linkinbio/

    58 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

The Other Side of the Plate is brought to you by FEAST (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders). This podcast is for moms, dads, and caregivers searching for answers that can feel so hard to find when your loved one has an eating disorder. Hosts Jenni and Laura are caregivers with lived experience supporting their own loved ones to full recovery. They share personal insights, discuss interactions with professionals, and point you toward helpful resources. Each episode is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate this complex journey. Topics covered include how to recognize the signs of an eating disorder, take effective action, advocate for your child, provide crucial support at home, and many other important topics caregivers face on the path to recovery. As we say at FEAST: "We're here because we've been there." Subscribe now to join a community that truly understands. Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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