In this week's episode of Recovery Rising with Kelly and Reva, we share a deeply personal story about running, recovery, and redefining what it means to be “enough.”

Reva opens up about her journey with the Boston Marathon—qualifying during a relapse fueled by compulsive exercise, perfectionism, and the constant feeling of not being enough. What once felt like an accomplishment was rooted in pushing through injuries, illness, and a life structured entirely around running.

After deferring her Boston Marathon entry through pregnancy, this year marked her final opportunity to run. But instead of lacing up, she made the difficult and intentional decision not to participate.

Together, we explore what led to that choice—leaning on support systems, honoring recovery, and recognizing that healing sometimes means letting go of things we once held tightly.

This conversation dives into:

• Reclaiming movement in a way that feels joyful, flexible, and free
• The reality that even in strong recovery, certain environments or behaviors can still be triggering
• Letting go of external validation and redefining identity beyond achievements
• The grief that can come with releasing parts of your past, even the ones tied to your eating disorder
• Finding connection and community outside of performance

We also reflect on the idea that recovery looks different for everyone and sometimes, it requires making big, meaningful changes to fully heal.

This episode is a reminder that you are not defined by what you achieve, and choosing yourself *again and again* is something worth celebrating.

In this episode, we’re talking about Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC) Advocacy Day on April 15 and how you can get involved in raising awareness for eating disorders—whether you’re able to attend in person or participate virtually.

We break down what Advocacy Day is, why it matters, and how collective voices can create real change in policy, awareness, and access to care. We also share practical ways you can participate, from connecting with legislators to using your voice on social media.

We also explore a powerful reminder: advocacy doesn’t have to look one specific way. Sharing your story, having honest conversations, supporting a loved one, or simply choosing to speak differently about your body and others—all of these are meaningful forms of advocacy.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or already involved, this episode is an invitation to find your own way to make an impact.

Sharing your story can be one of the most powerful tools in recovery, and it also comes with responsibility, vulnerability, and intention.

In this episode, Kelly and Reva explore what it means to share your story in a way that is both supportive to your own healing and helpful to others. We talk about the balance between openness and boundaries, and how to recognize when you’re sharing from a place of growth rather than from a place that may still feel raw or overwhelming.

We also dive into the role of storytelling in advocacy and awareness. Personal stories have the power to break stigma, foster connection, and help others feel less alone—but they don’t have to come at the expense of your well-being.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How to share your story in a way that protects your recovery
• Setting boundaries around what you choose to share
• Being mindful of potentially triggering details
• The impact storytelling can have in advocacy spaces
• Letting go of pressure to share everything—or to share at all

This episode is a reminder that your story matters, and when shared with intention, it can create meaningful change--for yourself and others.

As we transition into spring, this season of longer days and warmer weather can bring both hope and challenges in recovery. In this episode, we explore what it means to prepare for a new season—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

We discuss the impact of coming out of seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder), including common symptoms like low mood, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep. With increased sunlight, there are real biological shifts that can support healing—boosting serotonin, regulating circadian rhythms, and improving overall mood and energy.

At the same time, spring and summer can bring increased body image challenges. “Swimsuit anxiety” is real, and for many, body dissatisfaction can peak during these months. We talk about how to navigate these feelings with compassion and shift focus toward the experiences this season offers—connection, movement, and moments of joy.

Using the metaphor of spring, we reflect on recovery as a process of growth and renewal. Just as nature slowly comes back to life after winter, healing takes time. There are moments of growth, setbacks, and resilience along the way—each one part of becoming who we are meant to be.

We also share practical ways to prepare for this season:

• Creating a supportive environment
• Seeking connection and community
• Taking advantage of sunlight and routine
• Embracing small, meaningful steps in recovery

Wherever you are in your journey, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen overnight—and that even the smallest signs of change matter.

This week on Recovery Rising, we’re joined by Dr. Alicia A. Reif, Psy.D., LP — a clinical psychologist and coordinator of disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image concerns at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

Together, we explore what eating disorders and disordered eating really look like on college campuses and just how common (and often unseen) these struggles are.

Dr. Reif shares her experience working with students, how counseling centers can support recovery, and the importance of shifting the way we talk about our bodies and ourselves. We also dive into the power of collaboration and partnerships in creating more supportive campus communities.

This conversation is for anyone navigating college life, supporting a student, or wanting to better understand how we can create spaces that truly support healing.

In this episode of Recovery Rising, Kelly and Reva explore the complex relationship between self-image, social media, and eating disorders. In a world filled with filters, curated feeds, and constant comparison, it can be difficult to separate reality from the unrealistic standards often presented online.

Drawing from our lived experiences, we talk about the pressures social media can create and the ways it can contribute to mental health struggles, disordered eating and eating disorder struggles. We also discuss how diet culture and comparison quietly (and not so quietly) show up in our feeds and how learning to recognize these patterns can be an important part of protecting recovery.

We also touch on the broader conversation happening right now around social media responsibility — including ongoing discussions about platforms like Meta and legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which aims to increase protections for young users online. These conversations highlight a growing awareness of how digital environments can impact mental health, body image, and eating disorder risk.

This episode is about building awareness, setting boundaries, and learning how to navigate online spaces in ways that support our well-being.

In this episode of Recovery Rising, we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: the real and often painful barriers to treatment and recovery.

While recovery is possible, access to care isn’t always simple. From financial limitations and insurance challenges to long waitlists, stigma, shame, and the feeling of “not being sick enough,” many individuals face obstacles that can delay or complicate getting help. We also explore cultural pressures, diet culture, family dynamics, and internal fears that can make seeking or staying in recovery feel overwhelming.

Through our lived experiences, we share the barriers we encountered, what nearly held us back, and how we learned to navigate systems that weren’t always built with eating disorder recovery in mind.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, dismissed, or discouraged in your journey, this episode is for you. Struggling to access care is not a failure. Needing support is not weakness. You deserve help, compassion, and a path forward — even if it doesn’t look perfect.

As always, we are not medical professionals — we speak from lived experience and advocacy. If you are struggling, we encourage you to seek licensed support in your area.

Recovery is possible — even when the road feels blocked.

We took Recovery Rising to Campus💛

This week, we recorded on location at St. Cloud State University for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week — bringing real conversations about recovery, body image, and breaking stigma directly to campus.

Being surrounded by students, hearing their voices, and creating space for honest dialogue reminded us why we started this podcast in the first place. Recovery isn’t just personal — it’s communal. And awareness matters.

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to share lived experience, spark conversation, and remind students that recovery is possible — and worth celebrating.