In this deeply human and eye-opening Veterans Day episode, Sandy sits down with Leah Stiles, a Navy veteran, survivor, and founder of C WAVES, a nonprofit transforming how we understand eating disorders in the military.
What starts as a conversation about identity after service quickly dives into uncharted waters: the silent epidemic of eating disorders among service members, the myth of “fit not fat,” and how Leah’s own 30-year struggle turned into her mission to save others.
This one’s packed with honesty, courage, and some serious myth-busting about what health really looks like. Whether you’ve served, loved someone who has, or ever looked in the mirror and thought “not enough,” this episode will crack your heart open and fill it with fire.
Leah Stiles is the founder of Sea Waves, the nation’ only Veteran Service Organization dedicated to advocating for, educating, and supporting active duty service members, veterans, and their families who are dealing with disordered eating, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia. With twenty years of service and retiring as a Navy Senior Chief, she developed a strong commitment to supporting the well-being of her fellow service members. Having personally navigated the challenges of eating disorders during her service, she recognized the critical need for specialized support. Through Sea Waves, Leah is dedicated to offering crucial support and resources for prevention, recovery, and resilience. She strives to be a lighthouse, shining light on this often-taboo issue and guiding others who may be in the dark or weathering their own storms.
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