Q: What is Live Out Loud?

A: Live Out Loud is an Eating Disorders Recovery Initiatve that was born from my own struggles with an Anorexia and Bulimia. Live Out Loud began as a personal pact I made with myself in the depths of my disease. A friend of mine always said "If going to live, isn't the point to live out loud?" 

I had an eating disorder for 12 years, and towards the end of my struggle it seemed as though most everyone had given up on my getting better. The last time I was in the hospital I made a pact with myself that I was going to put 100% into recovery - no matter what - and if after one year of giving 100% to recovery, I felt as though I was no better off emotionally and I wasn't atleast starting to "Live Out Loud" than I'd allow myself go to back to my self destructive ways. The long and short of it is, the risk of recovery was far less than the risk to stay sick, and I have never looked back.  I have been gratefully  recovered since late 2005.

Q: So many people say there is no such thing as being "recovered" and that one is always "in recovery;" What are your viewpoints on that?

A:  This is something I feel very passionate about.  I am living breathing proof that complete recovery happens. While there are boundaries in recovery, there are no limitations, and to place limitations on what one can and cannot do is a tragedy in my opinion.  I wholeheartedly feel that while one can completely recover from an eating disorder, one cannot recover from life. There's a fine line beween the two and it's important to be mindful of that.

Q: Did you know that you wanted to help people with eating disorders, during your own experiences?

A: Yes and No.  At first I thought I wanted to be a therapist, but that idea fizzled away. As I became further away from the disease my motivations changed and I really never thought I'd work in the field. Eventually, there came a point where I didn't necessarily choose to help people, I think it chose me. And I am grateful for that. The pieces of the puzzle just began falling together, and I love every minute of it.

Q: Can you tell us about the products you offer?

A: Live Out Loud has it's own product line called "It's only Natural" which are 100% Natural Self Care Products tailored to those in (or going into) treatment centers who are not allowed to have the mainstream chemicals in other self-care products.  Live Out Loud and It's Only Natural has a variety of products, and in the future plans on expanding its product line.  Right now the products are available can be found HERE

Q: What about your writing?

A: I've always been a writer at heart,actually.  When I was a kid one of my favorite books was the thesaurus! Throughout my teenager years I wrote a great deal of poetry and prose, was a member of several online poetry clubs. I never really thought I could make a living out of writing, but as I grew older I realized that writing was not only a passion of mine but a true talent that I wanted to explore further.  I have written for a couple of columns, and have also done freelance. Now my passion has evolved into writings books as well.

Q: Lastly, I hear you have a radio talk show.

A: Yes, Live Out Loud has moved into several different platforms, now including a radio talk show that takes place every other Wednesday. On the show I interview a different person every week that has some tie to the field of eating disorders, self esteem, and personal image.  So far we've had some really great guests and are looking forward to expanding the show.  The last 15 minutes of every show, callers can call in with questions, feedback, or comments.  After the show, we host a 15 minute online chat.  All shows are available on-demand for free download and distribution by clicking  HERE

* Note: The Live Out Loud Radio Talk Show is no longer running new episodes.  We may run new episodes in the future. However, you can download previous shows on demand.