Project Unlaced
projectunlaced.org / @project_unlacedProject Unlaced is a youth-led movement dedicated to supporting young women's mental health and self-worth in a world that pressures them to shrink, especially in the age of technology. Through community building and education, we work toward a world where young women are safer online and no longer suffer in silence.
SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery with Mallary Tenore Tarpley
You can be doing better than you once were without feeling fully recovered. So why do we so often treat recovery as all or nothing?
In this episode of the Project Unlaced Podcast, Mia speaks with Mallary Tenore Tarpley about her book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, and the importance of giving a name to the space between acute illness and full recovery.
Mallary explains how perfectionism can turn setbacks into sources of shame, and how learning to acknowledge a slip, reach out for support, and keep moving forward can create...
Understanding Body Image with Dr. Charlotte Markey
We are joined by Dr. Charlotte Markey, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and a leading researcher in body image, eating behaviors, and eating disorders.
We discuss how our relationships with our bodies are shaped by the world around us, from social media and beauty standards to diet culture and the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications. Dr. Markey shares what research tells us about body positivity and body neutrality, why knowing that comparison is harmful doesn’t always make it easier to stop, and how appearance pressures can affect the way young women see th...
What Does Full Recovery Really Mean? With Merrit Elizabeth Pacheco
What does eating disorder recovery really look like, and is full recovery possible?
In this episode of the Project Unlaced Podcast, Mia is joined by Merrit Elizabeth Pacheco. Merrit is the founder and CEO of Shifts, an eating disorder recovery app offering on-demand audio support, and founder of Merrit Elizabeth Recovery, where she works as a Carolyn Costin Institute Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach. Fully recovered from an eating disorder herself, Merrit brings both professional training and lived experience to her work. She holds an M.S. in Health Promotion Management and a certificate in...
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 therapistJulie's “digital reckoning” after becoming a motherHow social media can fuel comparison even among adults and parentsThe addictive design of today's digital platformsWhy Julie joined Mothers Against Media AddictionThe importance of creating meaningful offline spaces for yo...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 entrepreneurshipThe st...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 overlookedThe stigma that prevents people from seeking helpWhat muscle dysmorphia is and how it affects mental...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 <...
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...
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 Fema...
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 eati...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...
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...
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...
Dr. Nicky Keay on Energy Conservation, Hormones, and REDs
Dr. Nicky Keay explains how the body conserves energy much like we do in daily life: slowing down with an empty petrol tank or using low-power mode on a phone. She connects these examples to metabolic rate, hormonal shifts, and how low energy availability can progress into REDs.
Key Takeaways
The body reduces metabolic rate when energy is low, similar to low-power mode.Hormones act as signals, adjusting processes like thyroid function, reproduction, and recovery.Low energy availability can lead to REDs, affecting health and performance.Everyday behaviors around saving energy mirror biological energy-saving...Stevie Lyn Smith on Fueling Young Athletes, Building Confidence, and Her New Book
Sports dietitian and endurance athlete Stevie Lyn Smith joins host Mia Lerner to share her journey into triathlon, her evolving philosophy on nutrition, and the inspiration behind her new book Power Up. She discusses how young women can build a healthier, more empowering relationship with food, body image, and performance.
Key Takeaways
Athletes can easily under-fuel when training volume increases without a matching nutrition increase.Food should be flexible, realistic, and personal rather than being defined as “good” or “bad.”Performance often improves when athletes properly fuel before practices and workouts.Social media nutrition trends...Rebecca McConville on REDs, Recovery, and Overcoming Fear Around Fueling
In this episode, sports dietitian and author Rebecca McConville joins us to break down the realities of eating disorder recovery, athlete underfueling, and the path toward a healthier relationship with food, movement, and performance. She shares practical, compassionate strategies for healing and for understanding the body’s true needs.
Takeaways:
Many athletes underfuel without realizing it.Rest and self-care are key to sustainable performance.Coaches need better education on REDs.Intuitive eating takes patience and practice.Challenging food fears rebuilds trust with the body.Recovery works best when broken into small steps....
Candace Lindenzweig on Mental Health, Recovery, and Self-Validation
In this episode, Candace Lindenzweig shares her personal journey through eating disorders, perfectionism, and the path to recovery while exploring her work in counseling. She highlights the importance of self-validation, supportive relationships, and mindful engagement with social media for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Takeaways
Safe spaces and supportive relationships are crucial for mental health and recovery.Eating disorders are complex and require empathy and individualized care.Self-validation is more sustainable than seeking external approval.Social media and perfectionism can impact body image and mental well-being.Exercise should be about health, balance, and enjoyment—no...Alyssa Leib on How Athletes Can Reclaim Food and Body Trust
In this episode, registered dietitian Alyssa Leib shares her journey into the world of nutrition and her discovery of the anti-diet philosophy. She discusses the dangers of diet culture, the misconceptions around processed foods, and how athletes can cultivate a more compassionate, intuitive relationship with food and their bodies.
Takeaways
The anti-diet philosophy centers on holistic health and body acceptance rather than restriction.Diets often fail long-term and can create cycles of shame, guilt, and disordered eating.Yo-yo dieting poses serious physical and psychological risks.Exercise should serve as joyful movement, not punishment or...Lynsie Gram on Common Fueling Mistakes Among Athletes
Lynsie Gram, a registered dietitian specializing in sports medicine, shares her journey from college running to nutrition coaching. In this episode, she breaks down how proper fueling impacts performance and recovery, especially for young and female athletes.
Takeaways:
Nutrition is essential for optimizing athletic performance and recovery.Common fueling mistakes include under-eating, skipping carbs, and neglecting post-workout meals.Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” to build a healthy relationship with food.Consistent fueling schedules help meet daily energy demands.Iron deficiency is common among distance runners and requires regular monitoring.Proper nutrition supports not only...Dr. Megan Hellner on Underfueling, Eating Disorders, and Athlete Health
Dr. Megan Hellner, a clinician specializing in eating disorders and sports nutrition, unpacks the connection between fueling, mental health, and performance in athletes. She explains what REDs really is and why understanding it matters.
Key Takeaways:
REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency) is a medical condition distinct from eating disorders.Regular, balanced eating supports performance and hormones.The menstrual cycle is a powerful sign of athlete health.Social media often distorts what “healthy” looks like.Coaches and teammates play a key role in athlete recovery.Athletes often push their limits. But true performance comes from fueling the body...
Molly Hurford on Breaking Barriers in Sport and Storytelling
Molly Hurford, an endurance athlete, author, and founder of Strong Girl Publishing, shares her journey to becoming a voice for women in sports. She opens up about body image, nutrition, and the importance of storytelling and visibility in empowering young female athletes.
Takeaways
Balancing multiple roles as an athlete, author, and advocate takes intention and self-awareness.Young female athletes need better education around nutrition and body image.Storytelling and visibility are powerful tools for empowering girls in sports.You don’t have to fit the traditional “athlete” mold to belong in athletics.Building a health...Ellie Hanowski on Her Journey in Running
In this episode, collegiate runner Ellie Hanowski from the University of Minnesota Duluth opens up about her evolution from a young hockey player to a dedicated cross-country and track athlete. Ellie shares how her love for running developed, what the recruitment process was like, and how college competition reshaped her perspective on training and identity. She discusses the challenges of fueling, body image, and mental health, as well as the critical role that team dynamics and support systems play in thriving as a student-athlete. This conversation highlights the importance of rest, balance, and rediscovering joy in running beyond performance.<...
Emily Arthur on the Breaking the Stigma Around Menstrual Health
In this conversation, Emily Arthur, a registered dietitian, shares her journey from traditional dietetics to focusing on menstrual health. She discusses the pervasive shame and confusion surrounding women's health, particularly in relation to diet culture and social media. Emily emphasizes the importance of understanding conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, advocating for better education and awareness around menstrual health. The discussion highlights the need to celebrate periods as a source of power and insight into our bodies, encouraging women to reclaim their narratives and prioritize their health.
Takeaways
Emily transitioned from a focus on dietetics...Katie McNamee's Journey with REDs
In this conversation, Katie McNamee shares her personal journey with nutrition and sports, focusing on the challenges of REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). She discusses the importance of recovery, the misconceptions surrounding body image and menstruation in athletes, and the critical role of carbohydrates in fueling performance.
Takeaways
Katie's journey with RED-S began after coming off the pill.She realized the importance of fueling her body adequately during training.Recovery is as crucial as training for athletes.Body image issues can arise from societal pressures on athletes.Not having a period is a sign of...Abby Olcott on the Importance of Nutrition for Athletes
In this episode of Project Unlaced, Mia discusses the critical issues surrounding REDs and eating disorders in sports with dietitian Abby Olcott. They explore the red flags often missed by healthcare professionals, the myths perpetuated by diet culture, and the consequences of under-fueling in athletes. Abby emphasizes the importance of understanding energy needs, the role of processed foods, and strategies for preventing under-fueling. They also discuss the significance of fats in an athlete's diet, navigating injuries, and the impact of coaches and team culture on nutrition. The conversation concludes with advice for young athletes on maintaining a healthy relationship...
The Story Behind Project Unlaced
Welcome to the very first episode of the Project Unlaced podcast. In this episode, I share my personal story: how athletics, COVID-19, and a search for control led me down the path of an eating disorder and REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).
I talk about:
How my struggles with food and exercise began during the pandemic.The moment I realized something was wrong and entered treatment.What recovery has looked like: five years later, and still ongoing.Why these conversations about REDs and eating disorders are so often missing in sports.The mission behind Project...