Welcome to another inspiring episode of Fly to Freedom! Today, I am thrilled to be joined by the incredible Dr Anita Johnston, a true pioneer in the field of eating disorder recovery. Dr Johnston is a depth psychologist, international speaker, and the author of the transformative book Eating in the Light of the Moon, now available in seven languages.

For nearly 40 years, Dr Johnston has been helping individuals understand the deeper emotional and psychological layers of their relationship with food. In this episode, we explore her fascinating approach to decoding the hidden messages in food through metaphor, mythology, and storytelling.

Dr Anita Johnston’s Website: dranitajohnston.com

Online Community: Light of the Moon Café

Ai Pono Maui Clinic: aipono.com

Free Food & Metaphor Guide: lightofthemooncafe.com/mygift

Dr Johnston’s insights into the metaphorical language of food will leave you reflecting on your own relationship with eating and inspire you to explore a deeper understanding of yourself.

💌 Let’s Connect: If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Message me on Instagram, leave a comment, or share this episode with someone who might benefit from it.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help others discover these meaningful conversations. See you next week!

Highlights:Resources Mentioned:

What does eating disorder recovery truly mean? In this transformative episode of Fly to Freedom, I uncover the deeper meaning of recovery. It’s not just about overcoming the fear of eating or stopping destructive behaviours—it’s about rediscovering who you are, learning to meet your needs, and creating a life that aligns with your authentic self.

Whether you are struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, orthorexia, or any other eating disorder, FOOD is often a symptom and not the real problem. Recovery is about addressing the deeper layers—emotional, psychological, and physical—that contribute to the eating disorder, helping you build a life of freedom and self-compassion.

In this episode, I’ll explore:

• Why recovery is about more than food and weight gain fears.
• How to reconnect with your emotions and let go of the “shoulds.”
• Building trust with your body and listening to its signals for hunger, rest, and care.
• The power of gratitude and how it can transform your journey.
• Practical tips and reflective questions to help you embrace self-discovery in recovery.

Recovery isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and becoming more aligned with your true self. Whether you’re in the early stages of anorexia recovery or further along in your eating disorder recovery, this episode will inspire and empower you to move forward with compassion and curiosity.

Key Takeaways:

• Let go of perfection and focus on reconnecting with your messy, beautiful, real self.
• Embrace the full range of your emotions—they’re signals, not enemies.
• Start trusting your body—it’s your ally, not your enemy.
• Small steps matter: Set boundaries, say no when you mean no, and prioritise your needs.
• Gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance, helping you find joy in the present moment.

Reflective Questions to Support Your Recovery:

1. What does recovery mean to you?
2. How often do you prioritise others’ needs over your own?
3. What would it feel like to live a life free of the “shoulds”?
4. What’s one step you can take today to reconnect with your authentic self?

💬 Let’s continue the conversation! Share your reflections or questions with me—send a message or journal your thoughts privately.

What Happens When You Put Two Passionate Therapists in a Room? You get nearly an hour of great conversation, so settle in with a cuppa and listen to this wonderful conversation. Please do remember to rate the episode.

Show Notes:
In this raw, unfiltered, and powerful episode of Fly to Freedom, I sit down with Jennifer Cox, psychotherapist, co-host of the global hit Women Are Mad podcast, and author of the award-winning book Women Are Angry: Why Your Rage is Hiding and How to Let it Out.

Jennifer brings her unrelenting passion to the conversation as we dive into the hidden emotional cages women are placed in, the societal pressures to suppress anger, and the real-life consequences of internalised emotions.

From sharing her experiences as a therapist to unpacking her personal journey, Jennifer holds nothing back as we tackle tough questions about feelings, boundaries, and the untapped power of rage when it’s expressed in healthy, transformative ways.

💡 Why Listen?

• Discover why women are conditioned to suppress anger and how this impacts mental and physical health.
• Explore the link between repressed emotions and eating disorders, autoimmune diseases, and beyond.
• Hear personal stories from Jennifer and me about reclaiming anger and using it as a tool for healing.
• Learn actionable steps to process and release your emotions safely.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at Jennifer’s movement, her podcast, and how her book is changing lives.

🎙 Gold Nuggets from the Episode:

• “Feelings just want to be felt.”
• “If you’re feeling it, it’s valid. That’s the only criterion.”
• “When we suppress anger, it doesn’t disappear—it waits.”
• “Healthy relationships begin with learning to say no and articulating your needs.”

📚 About Jennifer Cox and Her Book
Jennifer’s book Women Are Angry is a game-changer for anyone navigating repressed emotions. Named Best Self-Help Book of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times, it’s not just a book—it’s a movement. If you’ve ever struggled with expressing your feelings or understanding why they matter, this is a must-read.

➡️ Grab your copy of Women Are Angry [here]

(Please note that I may earn a tiny commission from your purchase but it will cost no more to you.)

Connect with Jennifer

• Instagram: @JenniferCoxPsychotherapist
• WAM Movement Instagram: @womenaremad
• Podcast: Women Are Mad
• Website: womenaremad.org

This episode is packed with insights and tools you can start using today. Share your thoughts, DM me on Instagram, or leave a comment on the Fly to Freedom podcast page. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs to hear it.