Shows
Meant to Bloom: because burnout shouldn't be your baseline122| Anxiety, Depression & Eating Disorders, Oh My! The connection and lasting effects of this nasty trio - A crossover conversation with Andrea Carow of Good VanillaToday I’m joined by Andrea Carow of Good Vanilla Podcast to have a vulnerable, honest and eye opening conversation into our own personal mental illness and disordered histories. You’ll hear about our journeys to self worth, eating disorders, and how healing happened for us both.
Andrea is a wife, mother, writer, and friend. It’s her mission to inspire women to pursue wellness from a foundation of faith.
Andrea declares that she was imprisoned by her eating disorder for over 20 years. By the grace of God, she made it out of the darkness and is here to...2023-10-061h 05
Good VanillaWhat Is An Eating Disorder? A Conversation Between A Mother and DaughterLet's normalize talking about tough topics with our daughters. They deserve to have awareness about mental health conditions like eating disorders. Our girls need to have the tools to spot trouble brewing in their own minds and the minds of their friends. I love this conversation I had with my 9 year old daughter, Ava, because it proves such conversations don't have to be miserable. The serious can be seriously fun. See you inside the episode! Connect with Andrea: FREE live class - Hope in the Healing Journey Speak Life Bundle Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching 4 S...2023-10-0421 min
Good VanillaThe Mental Health Conversation You Need To HearI love how honest this conversation is! Brittni Clarkson, host of Meant To Bloom podcast and I don’t hold back sharing so much of what we’ve learned over the years of our personal mental health journeys. Mental health is arguably the most important aspect of health. So we dove deep into topics such as but not limited to: A gratitude practice that actually works Obsession with self-development The power of voicing your thoughts out loud Hitting rock bottom How good can come out of what feels bad...2023-09-131h 08Good VanillaHow To Use Faith As A Weapon Against An Eating DisorderFaith isn’t talked about enough in the recovery space. This is why I’m here, friend. To spread this message and help you open your heart so God has access to your heart. You don’t need to hide any shame and guilt from him. Because you are worthy. Ephesians chapter 6 is a powerhouse of a chapter to use to fight for your life. You are worth it friend! Do not give up. Listen to this episode to get your grit on. Get tenacious. Get rowdy against an eating disorder. This episode will help you take a stand agains...2023-07-1919 minGood VanillaUse THIS Bible Verse To Silence A “Boasting” Eating DisorderIs an eating disorder making you work for EVERYTHING? Working to change or maintain your body. Working to earn food. Working to accept yourself. Sweet friend, it’s time to set yourself free with a heavy dose of GRACE! In this episode I explain how to apply Ephesians 2: 8-10 to your recovery. You will learn how to stop trying to be “enough” by being “better” or “healthier” than other people. You don’t have to prove anything in God’s Kingdom where grace and faith are EVERYTHING. Listen to this episode to immerse yourself in this truth: you don’t have to earn God’s...2023-07-1222 minGood VanillaHow Your Exercise Habits Influence Your DaughterMy 9 year old daughter, Ava, is back as a guest and she brought her wit and wisdom! Again! I swear this girl needs her own show. In this episode, Ava and I discuss how your exercise habits (or lack thereof) can affect your daughter. We also talk about noticing your beliefs about exercise and why it’s important to continue an exercise routine even if you have an eating disorder. And how working out is really only unreasonable at 3am in the morning (Ava’s wit *wink*). Get ready to learn and laugh with Ava and I. See you in t...2023-07-0523 minGood VanillaHow Your Food Habits Influence Your Daughter2023-06-2822 minGood VanillaWhy Restrictions Are Not About Food + What Restrictions Really AreHoly crap this is a good one! While recording this episode I had my own emotional realization at the end. So get ready for a deep dive into your soul. Let's start with a truth bomb: restrictions are a symptom of unworthiness. And eating disorders are ways to maximize restrictions in life. Restrictions are sneaky by letting you believe you’re in control. But restrictions actually control you, friend. Awareness around restrictions opens up the doors to recovery. Grab your journal, take a sip of your iced latte and take a deep breath. This episode will open your eyes to...2023-06-2126 minGood VanillaGet Unstuck By Adopting The Transformative Mentality of “Yes You Can!” with Erin VogtDo you feel like you can’t “do” mental health? Like it’s too complicated, too much work and seemingly impossible to achieve the positive changes you desire? In this episode, my friend and transformative health coach for moms over 40, Erin Vogt and I share an honest conversation about our mental health struggles and how it was the simplest solutions that got each of us unstuck. As Erin says in this episode “Basic stuff builds confidence because it stacks wins in your favor”. Erin shares actionable steps for you to seamlessly implement positive change into your life right now. Get stacking...2023-06-1444 minGood VanillaWhat An Eating Disorder Can Inform You About GodIf food rules and body comparisons consume your thoughts, it could be a sign God is trying to get your attention and teach you something. Join my 9 year old daughter, Ava, and me in this episode as we discuss the connection of our relationship with God to our relationship with our physical and mental health. Press play and inspire your faith by listening to one of God’s young children share her light and encouragement with you. Speak Life Bundle Eating Disorder Liberation Coaching 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know 2023-06-0722 minGood VanillaHow to Respond to Weight Loss Compliments When You’re Battling An Eating DisorderIf there ever was a hot topic, the discussion around people casually or rather obviously mentioning another’s weight is definitely one of them. In the awkward efforts of “small talk”, conversations are typically surface deep. This leaves our hair, clothes and the way we look open for discussion. Unless you dangle a “closed” sign on your neck, someone is bound to compliment your appearance. This can suck when you’re recovering from an eating disorder. In this episode I share how to respond to potentially triggering comments so your day isn’t flatlined by another’s “kindness”. You’ll also learn your per...2023-05-3129 minGood VanillaWhat A 9 Year Old Can Teach You About Body ImageWhat do you think a 9 year old can teach you about body image? Recently I began a conversation with my daughter, fully intending to educate her about body acceptance and positivity but she ended up teaching me a lesson. I was so grateful for her honesty because it was through her voice and perception as a 9 year old little girl that I realized I had unresolved childhood emotions about my body. And ultimately, my daughter opened my eyes to how body image issues can form and how to heal those issues through revisiting childhood memories. Press play to learn...2023-05-2416 minGood Vanilla7 Things to Say To Your Daughter When She Says, “I’m Fat.”How do you help your daughter love her body when you have your own complicated relationship with your body image? Or maybe you’re trying to heal from an eating disorder while supporting your child in her body acceptance. The truth is, no one can trigger you like your own child. When your kid says something that calls out your own insecurities, how can you possibly remain emotionally available? What do you say when your mind goes blank? In this episode, I remove the guesswork for you by sharing 7 things you can tell your daughter in a delicate moment su...2023-05-1723 minGood VanillaHow To Lose An Eating Disorder By Rediscovering Yourself And Reclaiming Your JoyDo you know yourself? If someone asked you what you do for fun, what would you say? Don’t feel bad if your response is a clueless stammer. I get it, I’ve been caught off guard, too. Consider this episode an opportunity to question, to be curious and inspire you to relentlessly pursue who God created you to be. When you allow yourself to live aligned with your God-given identity, joy is yours. As you seek and rediscover the pieces of you that have been lost, you begin living as an expression of God’s love and there’s no gre...2023-05-1027 minGood VanillaBlessings of an Eating DisorderToo bold? If you think so, I recorded this especially for you. It’s the kick in the butt you need to shift your mindset around the ways you allow an eating disorder to influence your life. In this episode I share two lessons I’ve learned as a result of being tested by an eating disorder. Interestingly enough, by speaking two blessings out loud, two more blessings popped into my mind while recording. This is evidence that what we focus on expands. Friend, I know eating disorders suck the life out of you, but I also know if you...2023-05-0329 minGood VanillaHow Inner Child Work Prepares You For HeavenHave you ever been mad at God? Have you ever questioned the way God created you? When I was a young kid, I thought God messed up when He made me. I was mad at Him because He didn’t make me skinny like my friends. And now 30 years later I understand why God made me the way I am. In this episode, you’ll learn how a revisitation of your challenges in childhood can prepare you to be the person God created you to be. In the here and now and in life ever after. 4 Secrets Your...2023-04-2622 minGood VanillaThe Role Your Inner Child Plays In Your Healing JourneyYour most valuable player in your healing journey is sitting on the sidelines, avoiding your eye-contact. And only you can see her. Because she is you. A version of you as a young child, known as your inner child. In truth, you’ve been avoiding her, too. Maybe because you weren’t aware she was there. Or maybe because you know she knows things. Painful things you were hoping to forget. I need you to go talk to her. Now. Self-discovery and self-compassion awaits. Come with me and I’ll show you how in this episode. 4 Secrets Your E...2023-04-1926 minGood VanillaThe Break-Up Everyone NeedsYour level of loyalty is commendable. But your commitment is blinding you from seeing the truth. There’s a relationship you have to tell to take a hike. At least until that “someone” no longer weighs your self-worth the way they do now. In this episode, I’ll prepare you for your favorite break-up of all time. Press play. Liberation awaits! 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2023-04-1219 minGood VanillaFor The Days When You Don’t Feel Good In Your BodyOh dang! Is today one of those days when no matter how many positive affirmations you say, you don’t feel good in your skin? Don’t stress a moment longer contemplating how you’ll possibly overcome your mental exhaustion and choose the perfect next step to magically feel better. Release the pressure of always needing to figure it out. All you need to do is take a deep breath, say a prayer and listen to this short but sweet message for a quick pep talk that’ll leave you with that just hugged feeling. Because some days you can do m...2023-04-0515 minGood VanillaHow To Stop Comparison In Less Than 30 SecondsScrolling on social media got you feeling down? Or maybe you’re feeling inferior after seeing someone who looks like they’ve got it ALL figured out. I’m gonna have to politely ask you to stop and listen to this episode before your thoughts run away with your sanity. You’ll learn a quick, “get unstuck” mindset shift that’ll take you from wishing you were like “them”, to thanking God for the ways He made you different. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreaca...2023-03-2912 minGood VanillaHow Obsessive And Perfectionistic Traits Can Help Your HealingAre you obsessive? Are you perfectionistic? Good! I’m not kidding. It is possible to use your “negative” personality traits to heal your relationship with your body and food. In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify what parts of your personality are currently keeping you stuck in your healing journey and how you can shift the way you use these same traits and use them for good. Let’s dive in! 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com ...2023-03-2215 minGood VanillaStop Blaming Personalities For Eating Disorders Have you ever wondered why you have an eating disorder? Do you feel the heat of shame when it feels so hard to be around food? Blame and shame are the stars of the game when it comes to eating disorders. And our poor personalities are punished with thoughts like, If I wasn’t so stupid. Why do I have to be this way? Why can’t I just figure out how to be happy? Everyone else knows what they’re doing. STOP right there, friend and listen to this episode and you’ll be happily surprised to learn your pers...2023-03-1519 minGood VanillaThe Real Reason Why You’re Stuck Obsessing Over The Way You LookIs your reflection in the mirror stirring up negative thoughts about the way you look? Does it feel impossible to stop noticing your so-called “flaws”? Why is this? Well, I recorded this episode to teach you why AND what to do about it. You may not want to hear the truth but I wouldn’t be a good friend if I didn’t bring it to your attention. It’d be as bad as letting you walk poolside in your bikini with toilet paper stuck to your buttcheek. I’m better than that and so are you :) 4 Secrets Your...2023-03-0819 minGood VanillaYou Are More Than Just A Body“You are more than just a body.” What the heck does that mean? Friend, the meaning may go deeper than you ever thought possible. The reason? Because it has very little to do with the way you look. Put your goggles on and get ready to dive deep ;) And yes, I’m usually this funny. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine! Tame Your Triggers 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2023-03-0117 minGood Vanilla3 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About My Body A Long Time Ago"Well! That would’ve been nice to know!" That’s what I shrieked upon learning the three things I share in this episode. Thankfully each time I was home and my dog was the only one to look at me sideways. The shock of enlightenment fit the outburst. Let me explain. I began body shaming myself at a very young age. Many of the harmful thoughts were due to my innocence. And I carried these thoughts about my body into adulthood without questioning their truths. Are you doing the same thing to yourself? Grab your earbuds. Pat your...2023-02-2222 minGood VanillaStretch Marks, Tears & TargetHave you ever cried at Target? I mean tears of happiness. And I don’t mean the happiness you feel from discovering wipe clean corkboard pretty placemats - with two young kids those things have changed my life. No, I mean the happiness from a feeling of finally being represented in marketing. Listen to my personal story and learn how to be observant with the messaging you allow into your heart and mind. Friend, you are your own gatekeeper. And your self-worth is the key. Tame Your Triggers 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Wan...2023-02-1523 minGood VanillaThe Healing Power of FaithDo you feel stuck in your healing journey? I get it. It can be a lot of lonely work. But it doesn't have to be. Honestly you shouldn't be trying to do it all on your own. Dive into this episode to learn how to release the pressure from navigating your journey alone. Tame Your Triggers 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2023-02-0821 minGood VanillaThe One Where She Explains Why This Show Is Called "Good Vanilla"Have you wondered why my podcast title is "Good Vanilla"? Or maybe you don't care. Ha! You do you, friend. Either way, I'm going to tell you because the title relates to my philosophy in life. It directly relates to my faith and relationship with God. And this is the best way to determine if you and I are a good fit. Everything I teach you on my podcast is born out of my belief God is the answer to ALL our earthly problems. So shout out a hallelujah! (I totally googled the spelling!), listen and share some laughs...2023-02-0114 minGood VanillaThe Only New Year's Resolution You NeedNew Year's Resolutions got you down? It's only the middle of January but your enthusiam for the new year is wavering, leaving you frustrated. At this rate, how can you possibly keep up with your goals? Don't give it a second thought until you listen to this episode! I'll explain why your resolutions are treating you no better than the mean kid on the playground and what you can do about it. AND I'll share the one and only resolution you need to be happy this year. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know 2023-01-2522 minGood VanillaThe #1 Thing You Shouldn't Do After A VacationUnpack your bags. Do your laundry. Reminisce by cuddling on the coach and looking at the pictures and videos you took. Start planning the next vacation. But whatever you do, don't do THIS! In this short but sweet episode, I share the #1 thing you shouldn't do when you return home from vacation. By NOT doing this one thing, you are doing SO MUCH for yourself. Get ready to wrap yourself up in some self-love. Press play. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_ca...2023-01-1110 minGood Vanilla3 Non-Negotiables To Support Your Mind And Body On VacationWhen you're on vacation you're out of routine. Even though being out of routine is good, it can be therapeutic, unless basic needs are neglected. And then your mood sours, your ability to soak up the moment, feel joy and the freedom of living are out of reach. There's a simple solution. Create non-negtotiables to focus on maintaining while on your vacation. In this episode I share my top 3 "musts" I know I need if I'm to feel my best and feel like I'm actually on vacation. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To K...2023-01-0414 minGood Vanilla5 Tips To Enjoy Holiday TravelVacation is fun...right? Wait...but you won't be able to control what you eat and when you eat. When will you get your daily workout in? Routine will be replaced with spontaneity and all sense of control will be difficult to grasp, no matter how hard you hold on. And then there's all that pressure to live in the moment and feel joy while anxious thoughts are streaming through your mind. I get it. I understand the stress of preparing for a vacation. But it is possible for you to enjoy yourself. In this episode I'll explain the...2022-12-2820 min
Introducing MeAndrea: Healing with FaithAndrea Carow started having body image issues at eight years old which snowballed into anxiety and depression. At fourteen she started losing weight by restricting food. When God brought her now husband, Adam, into her life, she had someone who would listen and helped her start recovering. Now she aims to serve and help others with similar struggles with her podcast, Good Vanilla.
Connect with Andrea: https://linktr.ee/andrea_carow
Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast
Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: int...2022-12-2753 minGood VanillaStop Your Triggers In Their TracksTwo episodes ago I shared the 3 step process I use to stop my triggers in their tracks. It was such a great episode that I wanted to take this opportunity to go even deeper. I want to coach you furhter on how you can make this process your own. I'll give you the actual steps to implement this plan. In just 15 minutes you'll have a trigger plan in place. Grab your journal, take a deep breath and dive in. Peace awaits. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @a...2022-12-2118 minGood VanillaHow To Reframe A TriggerAltering a trigger's meaning is one of the most impactful changes you can make in your life. Consider a trigger of yours. How wonderful would it be to diminish its effect on you? How freeing would it be to see "before" and "after" pictures and not feel the need to restrict food and workout harder? Of how about food pictures? Or any fitness promotion. How about rescue response sirens? In this episode, I'll explain a trigger I endured for years and how I reframed it into a moment of prayer and blessing. Doing so took a lot of work...2022-12-1419 min
The Unbusy Mom - take your time back strategies for business momsRevamping a toxic body image from a faith-filled perspectiveHave you ever looked into healing from a toxic body image - but wanted the Christian way to go about it?In this podcast interview, we’re chatting with Andrea about what happens when we as moms struggle with a toxic body image, what's the faith-filled perspective, and how we can model right thinking for our daughters.See what happens when you approach wellness from a spiritual perspective!Quote: Try wellness from a foundation of faith and mindful mental health - see what changes for you. -Adapted from Andrea Carow...2022-12-0827 minGood Vanilla3 Step Process To Regulate TriggersTriggers are ruthless. They sneak attack. They don't politely ask if it's a good time to swoop in and ruin your day. But you don't need to roll over into submission and just "take it". Fight back, friend! In this episode I'll show you how to reclaim your power when triggers strike. Leaving your triggers begging you for mercy. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2022-12-0721 minGood VanillaWhy Triggers Are Your Personal ResponsibilityIn this episode, I'll explain why you need to take personal responsibility for your own triggers. I'll show you how I've done this in my own life. We'll explore the unexpected nature of triggers and how the ones that blind side us the most couldn't possibly come with a trigger warning. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2022-11-3027 minGood VanillaTriggers: What They Are, How They Form and Why You Should CareTriggers suck. Triggers are complicated. But once you understand them, they can inform you a lot about why panic strikes. And in my case, why a bag of Snapped crackers caused me to snap. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2022-11-2328 minGood VanillaThe Secret Power Of Affirmations No One Talks AboutPositive affirmations...blah...blah...blah I get it. It can feel like affirmations are overdone. But have you ever tried them, or are they in one ear and out the other. Well, put your finger in your ear as a stopper and listen to this episode. I will teach you how to magnify affirmations and how using them to impact the world around you will ultimately be a blessing to yourself. Have an open mind and dive in. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea...2022-11-1616 minGood VanillaHow Beliefs Impact An Eating DisorderHave you every wondered why you have an eating disorder? Or why your body image morphed into unrealistic expectations? Your behaviors are clues to what's happening internally within you. Listen to discover how your behaviors are pointing to your beliefs and how deeply these beliefs impact your life. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2022-11-0920 min
Good VanillaWhy You Need To Start Talking About Your Eating Disorder ASAPSomething incredible happens when you voice your anxieties. A bit of magic occurs within you. I say it’s magic because it was such a pivotal point in my own healing journey. Once I began speaking out loud, my eating disorder didn’t stand a chance. I know the same can be true for you, too. Listen closely to this episode. Then speak up for yourself. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You To Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow www.andreacarow.com 2022-11-0317 minGood VanillaHaving An Eating Disorder Isn't A Sign You're A FailureAre you aware of the lies you're telling yourself about your body and self-worth? It's time to let yourself be open to your feelings. Walk right up to your feelings, introduce yourself and get cozy with them. Your feelings are clues to what's happening in your internal world. We may not always want to feel what we are feeling, but ignoring feelings isn't the answer. It's time to listen to them. You'll be surprised what you learn. 4 Secrets Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Want You to Know Tame Your Triggers @andrea_carow ...2022-10-2613 min
The Anthem ProjectAndrea, There's Nothing Under The BedAndrea Carow is our featured guest in this episode! Andrea is a remarkable mother, working on breaking the mold of motherhood as she conquers the world of writing with the beginning of her first book. We talk about the stereotypes placed on mothers, identify, confronting your fears, and being brave enough to embrace who you are and going for your dreams with purpose. You can follow up with Andrea @Andrea_Carow on instagram.
Want to keep the conversation going? Come join us on Sundays at 2pm central for a listening party! We always listen to the...2020-09-1840 min