The Guilt Free Series: Running from Perfection with Dr. Caitlin Massone

In this episode of A Mind of Her Own, host Dr. Jennifer Reid explores guilt, perfectionism, and recovery with Dr. Caitlin Massone, author of Running from Perfection. This conversation is part of the Guilt-Free series, leading up to the release of Dr. Reid’s book Guilt Free on January 27, 2026.Dr. Massone is a neurologist, ultramarathon runner, and mountaineer who battled eating disorders for 14 years. She shares how family trauma triggered her anorexia at 16, the guilt she carried through medical school while struggling with bulimia, and how nature and endurance sports became her path to healing.Key QuotesOn losing control:“I was really just trying to regain control amidst all of that chaos and turmoil. When my dad left, we went from having a fully stocked fridge and pantry to all of a sudden having this kind of feast and famine cycle.”On teenage guilt:“At the time, I was feeling guilty as if I wasn’t a good enough daughter. Every kid has these questions that go through their head that they never voice. Like, is this in some way my fault?”On being a doctor with an eating disorder:“I felt like I was in some way being hypocritical or not being an example for my patients. That was probably some of the worst guilt that I felt.”On finding empowerment through running:“When I run, I feel powerful and I feel like my body’s so capable and it doesn’t matter what it looks like in the mirror. It really has been just a remarkable transformation.”On nature as medicine:“Exercise and nature have been so integral in helping me heal and just keeping me happy.”More Resources:National Alliance for Eating DisordersNational Eating Disorder AssociationFind Dr. Massone: @drcait23 on Instagram | CaitlinMassone.comFind Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd, LinkedIn, and YouTubeYou can also preorder Dr. Reid’s book, Guilt Free! (If you are in the UK, you can order here and here.)Also check out Dr. Reid’s regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a ShrinkThanks for checking out A Mind of Her Own! This post is public so feel free to share it.Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Dial 988 for mental health crisis supportSAMHSA’s National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Disclaimer:The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site. Also, AI may have been used to create the transcript and notes, based only on the specific discussion of the host and guest and reviewed for accuracy.The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amindofherown.substack.com