What role does social media play in disordered eating and eating disorders? And how can parents spot early warning signs and have meaningful conversations about these tough topics? In this episode, host Dr. Ruston talks with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a physician specializing in eating disorders for nearly two decades.

Dr. Gaudiani explains the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders and how social media can fuel both. She shares concrete strategies to help parents talk with their teens, recognize early signs, and prevent problems.

This episode builds on our previous conversation with Isabelle, a young woman who shared her personal journey with an eating disorder and social media’s role in it. You don’t need to have heard that episode first, but they complement each other well.

This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.

If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.

Featured Expert

Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, MD

Books

Sick Enough: A Guide To The Medical Complications Of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Gaudiani

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:40 Recap of Previous Episode

01:06 Today's Topic: Understanding Eating Disorders

01:30 Meet Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani

01:59 Defining Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating

02:08 Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders

02:19 Clinical Eating Disorders Overview

03:16 Interview with Dr. G: Early Warning Signs

07:27 Social Media's Role in Disordered Eating

10:10 Strategies for Moderating Social Media Use

10:25 Supporting Teens in Recovery

16:33 Parental Challenges and Support

27:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Resources

National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”)

• Website: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com

• Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET)

• Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• Website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

• Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.

Crisis Text Line

• Website: https://www.crisistextline.org

• Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website

• Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

• Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org

• Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor

• Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.

We often hear about social media’s impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who’s lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder?

Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok.

Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal.

With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert.

This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.

If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.

Resources:

National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”)

• Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com

• Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET)

• Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org

• Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.

Crisis Text Line

• Website: crisistextline.org

• Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website

• Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

• Website: thetrevorproject.org

• Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor

• Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.

Time Codes:

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image

00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders

02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder

03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle

05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience

11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment

12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections

17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens

20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Struggling to get on the same page with your co-parent about screen time rules? Worried that enforcing boundaries might harm your relationship with your teen?

In this episode, Delaney talks with renowned family psychologist and author Dr. Laura Kastner about the tricky — but crucial — process of setting and upholding screen time rules. Together, they explore a practical roadmap built around The Four Cs: Calm, Confidence, Co-Parent Unity, and Collaboration.

Packed with relatable examples and expert-backed strategies, this conversation will help you navigate resistance and hold boundaries that support your child’s emotional development and well-being.

Featured Expert

Laura Kastner, PhD

Books

Getting To Calm, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Wise Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Time Code

00:00 Understanding the Core Issue: Fear and Relationships

00:27 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:45 Challenges of Setting Screen Time Boundaries

01:10 Real-Life Examples of Unpopular Rules

02:31 Interview with Dr. Laura Kasner: The Four Cs

02:58 Applying the Four Cs to Real Scenarios

04:45 Staying Calm and Confident

06:23 Co-Parenting and Collaboration

08:39 Handling Teen Reactions and Family Meetings

12:18 Polarization and Parental Unity

20:03 Concluding Thoughts and Resources