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Looksmaxxing. Protein obsession. Teen guys in the gym before sunrise. And, in the most extreme corners, men literally trying to “fix” their faces and bodies to match an online ideal. We’re joined again by Eric Pothen to talk frankly about what he’s seeing in men’s eating disorder recovery right now and why the pressure feels louder, younger, and more algorithm-driven than ever.
We get into how social media shapes male body image, how to slow down the moment you feel pulled toward a harmful behavior, and what it looks like to watch content like a critic instead of absorbing it as truth. We also talk about the next wave of risk: AI-generated fitness avatars and “perfect” bodies that are not even real, yet still trigger real restriction, compulsive exercise, and body dissatisfaction. Along the way, Eric shares how he builds safety with male clients, especially around vulnerability, emotion, and the fear of being judged for “not being man enough.”
We also tackle a listener question about male-to-male language that stings, like being called “big guy,” and we walk through practical self-advocacy scripts and Internal Family Systems (IFS) tools to figure out what’s actually getting activated underneath the surface. If you care about men’s mental health, eating disorder treatment, body neutrality, and raising boys with healthier messages about food and feelings, this conversation gives you grounded next steps.
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Show notes:
Trigger warning: this show is not medical, nutrition, or mental health treatment and is not a replacement for meeting with a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Mental Health Provider, or any other medical provider. You can find resources for how to find a provider, as well as crisis resources, in the show notes. Listener discretion is advised.
Resource links:
Hilltop Behavioral Health: https://hilltopbehavioralhealth.com/
Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
ANAD: https://anad.org/
NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
NAMI: https://nami.org/home
Action Alliance: https://theactionalliance.org/
NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
How to find a provider:
https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
https://www.healthprofs.com/us/nutritionists-dietitians?tr=Hdr_Brand
Suicide & crisis awareness hotline: call 988 (available 24/7)
Eating Disorder hotline: call or text 800-931-2237 (Phone line is available Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm ET and Friday 11 am-5 pm ET; text line is available Monday-Thursday 3-6 pm ET and Friday 1-5 pm ET)
If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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