Project Unlaced

Project Unlaced

by Project Unlaced

Non-Profit Self-Improvement

Is Technology Working for Kids or Against Them? Julie Frumin Has Some Answers.

In this episode of the Project Unlaced Podcast, I’m joined by Julie Frumin, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, founder of Healthier Tech, technology wellness advocate, and leader of the Conejo Valley chapter of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA). In this episode, we discuss: Julie's unexpected journey from musical theater to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist Julie's “digital reckoning” after becoming a mother How social media can fuel comparison even among adults and parents The addictive design of today's digital platforms Why Julie joined Mothers Against Media Addiction The importance of creating meaningful offline spaces for young people The main takeaway? We don't have to feel powerless in the face of technology. Change can start with small choices and strong communities. Learn More: HealthierTech: https://healthier-tech.org/ Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA): http://wearemama.org/

From Science to Startups: Mehek Mohan on Building Kahani

What does it mean to bring the power of play to mental health care? In this episode of the Project Unlaced Podcast, Mia sits down with Mehek Mohan, co-founder of Kahani, an AI-powered companion to improve users’ relationships with food and their bodies. Drawing from her background in molecular biology at UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford, Mehek discusses the lessons that shaped her path from scientific research to entrepreneurship and the future of personalized mental health care. In this episode, we discuss: How Mehek transitioned from scientific research and biotech into entrepreneurship The story behind founding Kahani and identifying a critical gap in eating disorder care Why personalized support matters more than one-size-fits-all approachesHow Kahani helps users gain meaningful insights about themselves through AI-guided reflection What Mehek has learned from users whose lives have been changed by Kahani Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on taking the first step toward building something meaningful Learn more about Kahani: https://getkahani.com/ Connected with Project Unlaced Website: https://www.projectunlaced.org Instagram: @project_unlaced Email: hello@projectunlaced.org

Dr. Roberto Olivardia on Eating Disorders in Men, Muscle Dysmorphia, and the Hidden Side of Body Image

Eating disorders are often misunderstood as a “women’s issue,” leaving countless boys and men struggling in silence. In this episode of Project Unlaced, Mia Lerner sits down with clinical psychologist and Harvard Medical School lecturer Dr. Roberto Olivardia to discuss the realities of eating disorders in men, the rise of muscle dysmorphia, and how social media and fitness culture are shaping body image today. Together, they explore: Why eating disorders in boys and men are often overlooked The stigma that prevents people from seeking help What muscle dysmorphia is and how it affects mental health The connection between ADHD and eating disorders How social media influences body image for young people What recovery can look like Whether you're struggling yourself, supporting someone you care about, or interested in understanding these issues more deeply, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and hope. Resources National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) 988 Lifeline

Christie Dondero Bettwy, Executive Director of Rock Recovery, on Breaking the Stigma Around Eating Disorders

In this episode of Project Unlaced, Mia Lerner interviews Christie Dondero Bettwy, the executive director of Rock Recovery, who shares her personal journey through eating disorders and recovery. Christie discusses the complexities of eating disorders, the importance of seeking help, and the mission of Rock Recovery to provide accessible treatment. The conversation also touches on leadership challenges in nonprofits, misconceptions about eating disorders, and practical advice for those struggling with recovery. Christie emphasizes the importance of community support and the need to redefine what recovery means. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Journeys 02:38 Understanding Eating Disorders 06:21 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 09:33 Rock Recovery: Mission and Impact 11:45 Leadership Challenges in Nonprofit Work 14:34 Defining Recovery and Freedom 20:05 Misconceptions About Eating Disorders 23:13 Advice for Overcoming Recovery Overwhelm 26:36 Supporting Loved Ones in Recovery Find out more about Rock Recovery at rockrecoveryed.org Stay updated on what we are doing or learn how to get involved! Website: projectunlaced.org Instagram: @project_unlaced

Diya Mankotia on Empowering Youth in Mental Health Advocacy

In this conversation, Diya Mankotia, founder of EDSA, shares her personal journey with eating disorders and how it inspired her to advocate for mental health awareness among youth. She discusses the challenges of starting a youth-led organization, the importance of outreach, and the need for more support in schools. Diya emphasizes the significance of relationships in recovery and offers valuable advice for aspiring advocates. She also shares her future plans for EDSA and her goals in public health, highlighting the need for prevention programs in mental health. Learn more about Project Unlaced at projectunlaced.org Follow us on Instagram at @project_unlaced

Erica Mulholland on Strength Training, Injury Prevention, and Empowering Female Athletes

In this episode of Project Unlaced, we’re joined by Erica Mulholland, a certified speed, agility, and strength coach and former Hall of Fame soccer player. Erica shares how her journey from elite athlete to coach shaped her mission to help young female athletes train smarter, stay healthy, and build confidence. Erica’s Athletic Journey Erica reflects on her path from youth soccer to semi-professional play in the U.S. and Brazil, and how passion, discipline, and resilience shaped her approach to both sport and life. Strength Training for Female Athletes We dive into common myths around girls lifting weights, why strength training is essential for performance and injury prevention, and how consistency—not overtraining—makes the biggest difference. Injury Prevention & ACL Rehab Erica explains why ACL and meniscus injuries are so common in soccer, what traditional rehab often gets wrong, and how proper return-to-play training builds both physical readiness and mental confidence. Coaching the Whole Athlete From body awareness and movement fundamentals to confidence-building and fun, competitive training environments, Erica shares how she supports athletes through growth, setbacks, and success. Advice for Young Athletes Erica closes with a powerful reminder: trust the process, embrace the highs and lows, and know that every part of the journey is shaping who you’ll become.

Jason Wood on Orthorexia, Eating Disorder Recovery, and Breaking Stereotypes

In this episode of Project Unlaced, we sit down with Jason Wood, Director of Community Engagement at ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders), to talk about eating disorders, recovery, and breaking long-standing stigma—especially for men. Jason shares his personal journey with orthorexia, including how weight-based bullying, perfectionism, and diet culture fueled over 20 years of disordered eating. He opens up about the pivotal moment in 2020 that led him to seek help and how recovery has reshaped his understanding of health, identity, and connection. Together, we explore: What orthorexia is and how “healthy eating” can become harmful How eating disorders impact mental, social, and emotional health, not just food Why men’s eating disorder experiences are often overlooked The role of perfectionism, control, and routine in eating disorders How sharing your story can be a powerful part of healing Ways friends, family, and coaches can support someone without causing shame Why recovery is nonlinear and doesn’t have a “look” Jason also talks about writing his book Starving for Survival, the importance of representation, and the work ANAD is doing to provide free, peer-led support to anyone struggling or supporting someone with an eating disorder. If you or someone you love is navigating disordered eating, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical insight—along with a reminder that you are not alone. Resources mentioned: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD): anad.org ANAD Helpline, support groups, and peer mentorship programs (all free)

Maegha Ramanathan on Empowering Girls Through Sports and Youth-Led Change

In this episode of Project Unlaced, we sit down with Maegha Ramanathan, founder of Girls for Sports, a youth-led nonprofit working to combat gender inequality in sports. Founded when Maegha was just 13 years old, Girls for Sports has since grown to over 25 chapters, mobilized 1,500+ youth volunteers, and donated 10,500+ pieces of sports equipment worldwide. Maegha shares her journey as a multi-sport athlete and the moment she noticed girls dropping out of sports due to sexism and discouragement. From cold-emailing Olympians to hosting advocacy conferences, free sports camps, and international equipment drives, she walks us through how Girls for Sports grew from a local idea into a global movement. We also talk about: Why girls are more likely to drop out of sports around age 14 The power of community and mentorship in youth leadership Balancing academics, athletics, and running a nonprofit How small actions can grow into meaningful change This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sports equity, youth activism, or turning personal experiences into impact-driven movements.

Hailey Goforth on Turning Mental Health Struggles into Purpose

In this episode of Project Unlaced, we’re joined by Hailey Goforth, a high school senior and the founder of the Crowded Minds Project. Hailey shares her personal journey with ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and emetophobia, and opens up about how therapy, medication, and a strong support system helped her through some of her lowest moments. We dive into what inspired her to start the Crowded Minds Project, how sharing her story online became a tool for both healing and connection, and the impact her work has had on others in her community. Hailey also discusses the realities of stigma, comparison on social media, and the importance of setting boundaries while being vulnerable. From practical self-care habits like “Self Love Sundays” to her hopes of expanding mental health advocacy into college, this conversation is an honest, encouraging look at how young people can turn lived experience into meaningful change.

Cami Merickel on Running Division I and Trusting the Process

In this episode, we're joined by Cami Merickel, a Division I runner for Nebraska Track & Field / Cross Country. Cami shares her journey from growing up in Phoenix and playing soccer to competing at the collegiate level and serving as a team captain. We talk about navigating the recruiting process during COVID, adjusting to the demands of Division I training, and overcoming injuries and confidence setbacks. Cami also dives into how she discovered the 3K steeplechase, what makes it such a challenging (and painful) event, and why trusting your training is key. Beyond racing, Cami discusses body image in distance running, her studies in Nutrition, Exercise & Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology, and how consistency, sleep, and mindset play a major role in performance. She also shares advice for young female athletes hoping to run in college and why your identity should never be defined by your sport alone. Topics Covered: Soccer-to-running pipeline Recruiting during COVID Transitioning to college athletics Steeplechase & event specialization Injuries, burnout, and mental health Team culture & leadership Nutrition, psychology, and performance Advice for aspiring college athletes Follow Cami on Instagram @camimerickel

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