In this first part of 2 part podcast, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Mallary Tarpley for a moving and candid conversation about grief, identity, and recovery. Mallary shares her personal journey, beginning with the loss of her mother to cancer at age 11, and how that profound grief led to her struggle with anorexia nervosa throughout her adolescence. Together, they explore the complicated landscape of the “middle place” – a space between acute illness and full recovery that’s often overlooked in discussions of both eating disorders and mourning.
Mallary opens up about her family dynamics, the misconceptions around eating disorders, and how writing became a path toward healing and understanding. This episode is a poignant exploration of what it means to live, grieve, and recover without ever reaching a definitive sense of closure, offering empathy and insight for anyone navigating similar challenges.
As the conversation unfolds, Mallary talks about the power of writing – journaling and authoring her new book, Slip- as a means of therapy and self-compassion, sharing what she wishes her younger self could have known in the aftermath of loss. Whether you’ve experienced an eating disorder, are supporting someone who has, or are navigating your own “middle place” of growth and healing, this episode offers comfort, guidance, and the reminder that we are all works in progress.
Tune in for a compassionate, nuanced conversation that reminds us recovery isn’t about perfection – it’s about gentleness, acceptance, and permitting ourselves to be human.
Key Moments:
01:12 Rethinking Eating Disorder Blame
04:27 Redefining Food Morality for Kids
08:10 Evolving Strength Through Adversity
10:34 Reconnecting with Younger Self
15:14 Journey to Authentic Recovery
16:54 Embracing the Messiness of Recovery
22:18 Recognizing Eating Disorder Warning Signs
23:42 Embracing Self-Love and Inner Growth
About the guest :
Mallary Tarpley’s journey through recovery has shaped her into a resilient and insightful individual. One year after first finding herself in a hospital bed – sick with anorexia nervosa and unable to eat – Mallary began to recognize the deeply personal struggles underlying her illness. Her first hospitalization was a moment of realization: if she wanted to survive, she would have to seek recovery, though true change would take much longer.
Over time, with five hospitalizations and a year and a half in residential treatment, Mallary came to understand that her disorder had taken from her, rather than given her control or closeness she once hoped to find. This hard-won insight has informed her perspective and strengthened her resolve on the healing journey.
How to connect Mallary Tarpley :
Weekly newsletter: https://mallary.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallarytenoretarpley/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallary-tenore-tarpley
Personal website: https://www.mallarytenoretarpley.com/