This episode is a celebration of courage, compassion, and the power of purpose. Host Allison Walsh welcomes back her dear friend and changemaker Johanna Kandel, founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, as they honor the organization’s 25th anniversary. What began as Johanna’s deeply personal mission to ensure no one felt as alone as she once did has evolved into one of the nation’s leading nonprofits—offering a free, therapist-led helpline and life-saving support groups that reach more than 30,000 people annually across 88 countries.In this heartfelt conversation, Johanna opens up about transforming pain into purpose, leading with resilience, and creating a movement that has changed the landscape of eating disorder recovery. She shares lessons on courage, collaboration, and hope, revealing how her 21-year-old self’s determination became a global force for good. Listeners will walk away feeling inspired to believe in their own ability to create impact — and reminded that when we heal together, we rise together. Together, they discuss:<ul><li>How Johanna turned her personal recovery into the National Alliance for Eating Disorders at age 21 and built it into a global lifeline.</li><li>The Alliance’s real-world impact: therapist-led helplines (~8,000 calls/year), 21 free support groups, ~30,000 participants annually, and 290,000 searches on findedhelp.com.</li><li>Why eating disorders are serious biopsychosocial brain illnesses (not vanity) and the importance of getting care from trained, specialty providers.</li><li>How free, clinician-led support groups and peer connection (“healed people heal people”) close the access gap for people who can’t get traditional treatment.</li><li>The role of social media, weight stigma, and emerging trends (including GLP-1 conversations) in shaping public understanding and care needs.</li><li>Johanna’s innovation roadmap: partnering with social platforms and AI (OpenAI, Cloud, Gemini) to meet people where they are and expand reach.</li><li>What’s next for the Alliance — an ambitious goal to scale the helpline to 7 days a week, increase funding and partnerships, and keep driving down stigma.</li><li>How listeners can take action: share resources, support the Alliance, or find help via <a href="https://www.findedhelp.com/" target="_blank">findedhelp.com</a>.</li></ul> 🌟Memorable Moments“The Alliance was my love letter to the community — I didn’t want anyone to feel as alone as I once did.”“We expect around 30,000 participants this year from 88 countries — it’s incredible to see how far hope can travel.”“Imposter syndrome is real, but the mission always outweighs the fear.”“Healed people heal people — I’ve seen it happen again and again."“Eating disorders aren’t about vanity; they’re serious brain illnesses rooted in biology, environment, and stigma.”“Upwards of 70% of people who struggle never access care — that’s why free groups matter so much.”“Some of the hardest, most painful moments have led to the most meaningful work of my life.”“We’re better together — that’s why it’s called The Alliance.”“Eating disorders don’t take weekends — our helpline shouldn’t either.”“Take a risk, be the first — that’s how you change the world.” Additional Resources & Links<ul><li>Connect with Allison: <a href="https://www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/newsletter">www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/newsletter</a></li><li>Subscribe to the Podcast:<a href="https://pod.link/1505347834" target="_blank"> https://pod.link/1505347834</a></li><li>Thank you to our sponsors! <ul><li>Learn more about AdventHealth for Women:<a href="http://www.adventhealthforwomen.com/" target="_blank"> www.AdventHealthforwomen.com</a></li><li>Get involved with Be a Mindleader:<a href="http://beamindleader.com/" target="_blank"> http://beamindleader.com/</a></li></ul></li></ul>
Connect with Allison<ul><li>Interested in working together? Fill out <a href="www.allisonwalshconsulting.com/apply">this form</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh">www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh</a></li><li><a href="http://www.shebelievedbook.com/">www.shebelievedbook.com</a></li><li><a href="http://www.allisonwalshconsulting.com//newsletter">www.allisonwalshconsulting.com</a></li><li><a href="https://allisonwalshconsulting.com/brandondemand">Signature Course | Build Your Brand On Demand</a></li><li><a href="allisonwalshconsulting.com/beunforgettable">Download The Be Unforgettable Playbook</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/48j76JX">Beauty Must-Haves!&nbsp;</a></li></ul>

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The Woman Who Refused to Give Up: Johanna Kandel’s Journey of Eating Disorder Recovery and Advocacy

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