Jessica Setnick on Food, Trauma & the Stories We Carry (Part 2)

The High-Functioning Disaster

Eating disorder dietitian Jessica Setnick returns for Part 2, and we go straight into the intersections of trauma, food, grief, and the stories we’re still unconsciously living by.

Jessica breaks down food as a mood-altering chemical, why bingeing or restricting often starts as survival, and how childhood chaos gets wired into adult patterns. Sacha shares her own post-op anger and a childhood food memory that suddenly makes perfect sense.

We explore how shame hijacks behavior, how regret opens the door to change, and why seeing parents’ reactions through the lens of fear can rewrite your whole internal narrative.

🧭 In This Episode

• How nervous system wiring shows up in food patterns
• Food as self-medication
• Shame vs. regret — emotional chemistry explained
• Grief after losing coping tools (hello, bariatric journey)
• Why some food memories feel “random” but aren’t
• How kids internalize adult fear

🪞 Key Takeaways

• Your eating patterns are survival strategies, not failures.
• Shame thrives in secrecy; curiosity dismantles it.
• Removing food coping brings suppressed emotions forward.
• “I’m too much” or “I’m not enough” often started with someone else’s fear.
• Compassion for the younger you is a power move.

⚠️ Content Note

Themes of trauma, grief, parental conflict, shame, emotional coping, body image, and weight stigma. Sensitive topics handled gently.

Connect:

Where to find Jessica:

• 🌐Website: [https://www.jessicasetnick.com/]
• 📚 Workbook: [https://www.foodfairytales.com/]
• 📱Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/eatingdisordersbootcamp/]
• 📱Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/understandingnutrition/]
• 📱X: [https://x.com/JessicaSetnick]
• 🧠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasetnick/]

✨ Connect with The High-Functioning Disaster:

• 🎙 Guest inquiries: bookings [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 📬 Get in touch: heythere [at] holderhausmedia [dot] com
• 🎙 More episodes & info: [https://the-high-functioning-disaster.captivate.fm/]
• 🎙 Discover more podcasts by Holder Haus Media: [https://holder-haus-media.captivate.fm/]
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• 📺 Watch on YouTube: Uploads coming soon! [https://www.youtube.com/@HolderHausMedia]
• 💜 When I’m not podcasting, I’m also a Scentsy Consultant of 10+ years. If you’re into fragrance and cozy vibes, you can find my shop here: [https://sachasmells.com]

Keywords

Jessica Setnick, trauma healing, emotional eating, food coping, grief, nervous system, subconscious behaviors, shame, regret, weight stigma, body narrative, survival strategies, inner child

🎧 In Part 3, Jessica dismantles the harmful simplicity of “eat less, move more,” exposes how weight stigma in healthcare causes real harm, and shares scripts for advocating for yourself. We also get into family food dynamics and small language shifts that reduce shame.

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