Episode 92: Jillian Rigert discusses eating disorders and identity, arrival fallacy, imposter syndrome, motivation, and recovery

Hi Navigators! We have a remarkable guest to introduce to you all today. Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD, joins Catherine and Francis to explore an array of topics, including Jillian’s experience with an eating disorder and her recovery. She shares her relationship with anorexia nervosa as it relates to her identity, and how psychological and cognitive distortions and conditions like arrival fallacy, imposter syndrome, confirmation bias, and burnout all impacted her journey – both in difficult and uplifting ways. Jillian is a current trainee in Martha Beck’s Wayfinder Life Coach Program, and has formal training in dentistry, medicine, and oral medicine. She is an Air Force Veteran, research fellow in Radiation Oncology, blogger and buddying activist on topics including anti-diet culture and eating disorder recovery. She brings these experiences to this platform in profound and insightful ways. And as a bonus, she introduces us all to her dog Reece! We hope there are pieces in this conversation which feel relatable and comforting, and of course, we thank Jillian for her time, energy, and intellect. Enjoy!

CW: eating disorders, eating disorder recovery, eating disorder behaviors, suicidal ideation, discussion about weight-stigma and BMI, weight bias, military culture, medical bias and culture