The Full of Beans Podcast

by Hannah Hickinbotham

Full of Beans is on a mission to reduce eating disorder stigma and increase ED awareness by drawing in on collective experiences and the importance of shared conversations.

Listen weekly for inspiring conversations with Han and her guests, ranging from those with lived experiences to researchers, clinicians and charities, all with one aim: to increase society's understanding of eating disorders and end the stigma assoc ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • Sensory Issues, Neurodiversity and ARFID with Kevin Jarvis

    Sensory Issues, Neurodiversity and ARFID with Kevin Jarvis

    In this week’s episode, Han is joined by Kevin Jarvis (they/them). Kevin is a disabled, mad, and queer artist and advocate from so-called Western Massachusetts- located on Pocumtuk people’s land. Kevin’s art and activism speaks to their lived experience with mental health in an unfiltered way. They exhibit a passionate effort towards making the world more accessible through client-led care, harm reduction, and liberation-oriented care. Kevin uses their personal experiences with ARFID, queerness, and neurodivergence to support others navigating the same muddy waters. When they aren’t engaging with the community, you can find Kevin hammocking in the woods, creating art, or messing around with their 2 cats. This week, we discuss: What is ARFID and the different subtypes? Do only neurodiverse individuals struggle with ARFID? The intersection of ARFID, neurodiversity and body image. The challenges in diagnosing ARFID. Sensory issues in those with neurodiversity that may lead to difficulties with eating and body image. Neurodiversity and the queer community. Unmasking, finding community and your authentic self. You can find out more about Kevin and their work by heading over to their IG page @kevindoesarfid. Please note that this podcast explores topics that some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone that you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional. We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them: Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email info@firststepsed.co.uk. Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

  • Exploring the Intersection of Suicide, Self-Harm and Eating Disorders with Dr Una Foye and Dr Moritz Herle

    Exploring the Intersection of Suicide, Self-Harm and Eating Disorders with Dr Una Foye and Dr Moritz Herle

    In this week's episode, Han is joined by Dr Una Foye and Dr Moritz Herle. Una is a mental health researcher working at King’s College London. She has a special interest in eating disorders and uses lived experience voices to help improve our understanding of eating disorders and treatment. Moritz is a Lecturer at the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. Moritz’ research focuses on the origins and development of eating behaviours, childhood weight and their impact on later health outcomes such as eating disorders and obesity. Una and Moritz are working together on a project exploring the intersection of eating disorders, suicide and self-harm. The project is funded by a fellowship from Rosetrees Trust, Stoneygate Trust, and MQ Transforming Mental Health. This week, we discuss: The motivations and elements of the study Mortiz and Una are conducting. Factors contributing to suicidal ideation in individuals with eating disorders. The unique elements of the eating disorder experience and suicidal ideation. Exploring the genetic factors in the co-occurrence of eating disorders and suicide risk The power of multidisciplinary teams in treating eating disorders Exploring the idea of an eating disorder as a form of self-harm. The necessity of removing stigma around EDs and suicide to prompt important conversations. The need for increased funding and improved services Advice for individuals struggling with suicidal ideation during an eating disorder To find out more about the study, you can head over to the MQ mental health website. If you require further emotional support following this interview you might want to: Talk with a relative, friend or other supporter if that is what you prefer Contact your GP, or a mental health professional if you are currently using services Use a publicly available source of emotional support, we have included a list of some options below: Samaritans - Call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. FirstSteps Eating Disorders, an England-based eating disorders charity. Call : 0300 1021685 Email: info@firststepsed.co.uk Beat Eating Disorders, the UKs leading national Eating Disorders charity. Call: England (0808 801 0677), Scotland (0808 801 0432), Wales (0808 801 0433), Northern Ireland (0808 801 0434)

  • The Use of Creative Therapies with Eating Disorder Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Louise Johnston

    The Use of Creative Therapies with Eating Disorder Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Louise Johnston

    In this week’s episode, Han is joined by Louise Johnston. Louise is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical lead at the Eden Unit, a Regional Unit for Eating Disorders in Aberdeen, Scotland. Louise has a dual specialisation in medical psychotherapy and child and adolescent psychiatry, along with additional training in various therapeutic modalities. Louise chairs a national working group focused on managing co-morbid personality disorders and eating disorders in Scotland and is involved in the eating disorder training and accreditation system as an EEATS supervisor. Louise’s passion for creative therapies, influenced by her love for music creation, drives her efforts to contribute to advancing the evidence base in this area. In this week's episode, we discuss: The role of a consultant psychiatrist when working with eating disorder patients. The role of the Mental Health Act for eating disorder patients and why this may be required, for example, NG tube feeding, medication and safety. Medications that can be used for eating disorders and the reasons behind this. Palliative care for eating disorders from the perspective of a consultant psychiatrist. The role of creative therapies in eating disorder recovery including art therapy, music therapy and many more. How therapists can incorporate more creative therapy modalities into their work to provide different recovery strategies to patients. You can find out more about Louise's work at the Royal College of Psychiatry by checking out their X account, @rcpysch. Please note that this podcast explores topics that some individuals may find difficult to hear and should not be used as a replacement for professional advice. If you need further support after this podcast, please consider talking to someone that you trust. You may also wish to reach out to your GP or mental health professional. We've included a list of additional support options in case you need them: Samaritans are here for whatever you are going through. You can call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123. FirstSteps Eating Disorders is an eating disorders charity for children and their families, young people, and adults affected by eating difficulties and disorders. You can call them on or email info@firststepsed.co.uk. Beat Eating Disorders is an eating disorder charity offering support for those with or supporting someone with an eating disorder. You can call their helpline for free on 0808 801 0677 (England), 0808 801 0432 (Scotland), 0808 801 0433 (Wales), 0808 801 0434 (Northern Ireland).

  • The Intersection Between ADHD and Eating Disorders from a Personal and Clinical Perspective with Becky Grace

    The Intersection Between ADHD and Eating Disorders from a Personal and Clinical Perspective with Becky Grace

    In this week's episode, Han is joined by Becky Grace, a BABCP-accredited CBT Therapist. Becky has 30 years of personal experience of binge eating and bulimia, received a late ADHD diagnosis aged 35, and self-identifies as autistic. Additionally, Becky spent 10 years in the fitness industry, where her eating issues and compulsive exercise were masked by industry norms. Becky has worked in mental health services for 14 years and now works in her private practice supporting individuals struggling to navigate the connections between eating disorders and neurodiversity to manage their compulsions, urges and habits. This week, we discuss: Becky's personal experience of a late diagnosis of ADHD and how this intersected with her binge eating patterns. Becky's experience of being in the fitness industry and how this exacerbated disordered eating behaviours. The intersection between ADHD and excessive exercise to manage ADHD behaviours - is it always positive? Becky's experience of misuse of painkillers to self-soothe, manage dissociation and reduce emotional pain. Becky's perspective of why the bulimia and BED behaviours remained in her life despite the negativity they brought to her life. How Becky navigates ADHD behaviours without leaning into disordered behaviours. To learn more about Becky, please head to their IG page @iambeckygracetherapy or visit their website. Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics, including binge eating behaviours, excessive exercise and the intersection with ADHD. Remember to care for yourself while listening and seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.

  • Letting Yourself Go, or Letting Yourself Live? A Personal and Clinical Perspective with Craig Lee

    Letting Yourself Go, or Letting Yourself Live? A Personal and Clinical Perspective with Craig Lee

    In this week’s episode, Han is rejoined by Craig Lee. Craig is an accredited online counsellor and psychotherapist with 18 years of experience in behavioural change and mental health services. Craig uses his personal experience of an eating disorder and body dysmorphia to support clients to achieve food freedom, enhance their body image, and lead fulfilling lives using his lived experience. The normalisation of orthorexia and the impact this may be having on individuals struggling with orthorexic tendencies. The recent separation of orthorexia, orthorexia nervosa, and "healthy orthorexia". The role of a diagnosis and how this can be supportive or destructive for someone's recovery. The role of labels, how they can become someone's identity, and how this impacts them living a purposeful life. Craig and Hannah's perspective of living with ADHD and the impact this can have on eating disorder recovery. How to navigate an obsession around "healthy eating" and Craig's advice for navigating this. To learn more about Craig, please head to their IG page @craigleetherapy or head over to their website. Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to care for yourself while listening and seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.