#162: "I'm In Recovery In Every Sense of the Word": How Gender, Sobriety, Disordered Eating, and Chronic Illness Intersect with Recovery Coach Jo Walduck
This week on The Full Plate Podcast, Abbie speaks with Jo Walduck about the intersections of gender, mental health, and personal growth.
Jo shares her multifaceted identity and journey through recovery from both disordered eating and alcohol use while navigating the world as a trans person. She discusses the complexities of navigating multiple identities while overcoming addiction and chronic illness.
This episode is an exploration of the non-linear nature of recovery – from the importance of compassion, to the impact of childhood experiences, to why our coping mechanisms need to be seen with nuance and compassion.
Jo reflects on the challenges of feeling at home in her body, letting go of perfectionism, and why it’s so hard to reach out for help when we’re struggling.
Listen to the episode for more on:
What’s on Jo’s plate—literally and metaphorically
Navigating life as a collection of niches and identities
The ongoing nature of recovery and learning to set things down
Why self-compassion is essential in the healing process
How childhood experiences shape our coping mechanisms
The role of food and alcohol as tools for survival
The intersection of gender identity and substance use
How therapy offers tools but isn’t a quick fix
The pivotal moment of moving beyond coping mechanisms
The importance of support and community in building a new life
Grief as a part of understanding identity and healing
The parallel journeys of sobriety and gender transition
How chronic illness can complicate the recovery process
Why recovery is non-linear, layered, and deeply personal
The role of self-love in living authentically
Finding a sense of home in one’s body
Reaching out for support as an act of strength
Letting go of moral judgments around food and prioritizing self-care
Embracing uncertainty as part of being human
You can access the first 30 minutes for free, but if you want access to the whole episode, subscribe on Patreon right here!
More About Jo:
Jo Anne Walduck (pronouns she/they), is in her late 30s, a Brit who’s lived in France for almost all her adult life, a trauma-informed business, life, and recovery coach, a cat lover, a woman in recovery, a writer, a dreamer, a napper. A storyteller and a delighter in the growth and healing that happens when we turn our nurturing energy inwards and let it overflow outwards, rather than focussing on everyone else and gasping for the dregs. A trans femme living with chronic illness and fatigue, a human navigating the waves of generational trauma, familial grief, and queer joy.
Support the show on Patreon: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate
Join the Full Plate Patreon right here!
Group program:
Good news! Enrollment is open for Abbie's next group program:
Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching
Group membership:
Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group
Social media:
Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast
Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness
Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy
Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Eades
Podcast Editing by Brian Walters
This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate