Healing Through Criticism and Compassion

We’re back with yet another installment of Ask Me Anything — a twist on my normal format where we answer questions submitted by you, the listener.

In this week's installment, Julie and I discuss my recent visit to Beirut to run the marathon and then take two listener questions. First we discuss blogger Jordan Younger's battle with orthorexia and her decision to let go of her vegan identity. Then, in honor of Veteran's Day, we discuss a soldier's struggle with PTSD and the journey to self-forgiveness.

Specific topics include:

* why go all the way to Beirut to run a marathon?

* running for peace in the Middle East

* what is orthorexia?

* the nexus between eating disorders & trauma

* when wellness becomes illness

* the prison of identity labels

* a veteran's struggle with PTSD

* the journey to self-forgiveness

* making peace with the self in the wake of violence

Thank you to all the veterans out there for your selfless service. This episode is dedicated to those that suffer daily the trauma of that experience. A related podcast on the subject of veteran's issues and PTSD that you might enjoy is my conversation with Jason Hall, the screenwriter of American Sniper – RRP 130: Finding Purpose in Tragedy.

The show concludes with Cry, written and performed by Julie — aka SriMati – accompanied by our sons Tyler & Trapper Piatt.

Thanks to everyone who submitted inquiries — keep ‘em coming!

I sincerely hope you enjoy the conversation.

Peace + Plants,

Rich