Redefining Recovery: The Truth About Eating Disorders, Grief, and Healing with Mallary Tarpley

In this second part of two-part podcast, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Mallary Tarpley to explore the complex intersections of grief, identity, and recovery from eating disorders. Drawing on her personal journey and professional expertise, Mallary shares how the loss of her mother at a young age fueled her struggle with anorexia, offering honest reflections on how trauma and control can shape our relationship with food and ourselves.

Together, they break down outdated misconceptions about eating disorders, emphasizing the neurobiological changes that keep people trapped, and shedding light on the genetic and environmental factors at play. Mallary provides heartfelt advice for parents striving to raise children with healthy relationships to food and body image, candidly discussing the language, behaviors, and household culture that matter most.

As the conversation unfolds, Mallary talks about the power of writing - journaling and authoring her new book, Slip- as a means of therapy and self-compassion, sharing what she wishes her younger self could have known in the aftermath of loss. Whether you’ve experienced an eating disorder, are supporting someone who has, or are navigating your own “middle place” of growth and healing, this episode offers comfort, guidance, and the reminder that we are all works in progress.

Tune in for a compassionate, nuanced conversation that reminds us recovery isn’t about perfection—it's about gentleness, acceptance, and giving ourselves permission to be human.

Key Moments:

01:12 Rethinking Eating Disorder Blame

04:27 Redefining Food Morality for Kids

08:10 Evolving Strength Through Adversity

10:34 Reconnecting with Younger Self

15:14 Journey to Authentic Recovery

16:54 Embracing the Messiness of Recovery

22:18 Recognizing Eating Disorder Warning Signs

23:42 Embracing Self-Love and Inner Growth

About the guest :

Mallary Tarpley’s journey through recovery has shaped her into a resilient and insightful individual. One year after first finding herself in a hospital bed - sick with anorexia nervosa and unable to eat - Mallary began to recognize the deeply personal struggles underlying her illness. Her first hospitalization was a moment of realization: if she wanted to survive, she would have to seek recovery, though true change would take much longer.

Over time, with five hospitalizations and a year and a half in residential treatment, Mallary came to understand that her disorder had taken from her, rather than given her control or closeness she once hoped to find. This hard-won insight has informed her perspective and strengthened her resolve on the healing journey.

How to connect Mallary Tarpley :

Weekly newsletter: https://mallary.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallarytenoretarpley/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallary-tenore-tarpley

Personal website: https://www.mallarytenoretarpley.com/

About Coached Soul™:

Coached Soul™ is an empowering podcast hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, Dr. Steve covers many topics, including mental health, relationships, education, and more. He fearlessly tackles sensitive subjects like depression and anxiety, creating a safe space for open conversations. They offer valuable insights and lessons through interviews with guests who have overcome significant challenges. Coached Soul is not just a podcast but a supportive community that inspires personal growth and provides the necessary resources for transformation. Their expertise and genuine approach make Coached Soul a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their life.

For more details, visit https://coachedsoul.com/