In this episode, Walter shares his story of growing up in deep diet culture, navigating the pressures of acting and masculinity, and the moment everything changed when he discovered Health at Every Size. He talks about what it was like to internalize fear and shame at a young age, how acting shaped his relationship with his body, and the messy, liberating work of rebuilding trust with food. Walter also discusses the role of mindfulness, Buddhist practice, and community in helping him feel more grounded and less alone.
What We Cover:
Growing up surrounded by dieting, medical fear, and body scrutiny
Pressure from acting and performance culture
The chaos of college eating after years of restriction
Discovering HAES and liberation-based thinking
Meditation, embodiment, and reconnecting with his body
Masculinity, identity, and shape-shifting between worlds
What recovery actually looks like day to day
Resources mentioned include Health at Every Size by Lindo Bacon, ASDAH (Association for Size Diversity and Health), The Wakeful Body by Lama Willa Blythe Baker, and drummer/composer Jonathan Blake's album My Life Matters.
