In this episode, Tessa sits down with Ashlee Thomas; Australian lived-experience advocate, speaker, and co-founder of The Secret Burden, a charity leading national change around body image, eating disorders, and women’s mental health.
Ashlee opens up about her powerful journey from anorexia to self-acceptance and peace. Together, we explore how women can begin releasing the constant pressure to “fix” their bodies and instead reconnect with freedom, trust, and self-compassion.
You’ll hear about:
• the emotional reality of eating disorder recovery and body image healing
• how media, perfectionism, and identity shape the way women see themselves
• redefining health beyond appearance or control
• letting go of shame and learning to feel safe in your body again
• simple steps to start feeling more free, connected, and kind toward yourself
Ashlee also shares how she transformed her personal pain into purpose through The Secret Burden’s workshops, mentoring, and advocacy, inspiring women everywhere to challenge the stigma and start healing their relationship with their bodies.
A little more about Ashlee:
Ashlee Thomas is a media presenter, author of Surviving the Jungle, and founding director of The Secret Burden Ltd. Her work has appeared on 60 Minutes, CNN, The Today Show, and CBS12. She also hosts The Secret Sunday Session podcast and continues to lead national education programs empowering women to feel at home in their bodies.
To find out more:
🔗 thesecretburden.org.au
📖 Surviving the Jungle (Ashlee's book): all profits support The Secret Burden
🎙 The Secret Sunday Session: available on all podcast platforms
