🎙️ LIVE ON AIR on Radio free FM in Ulm

On May 11th, I was a live guest at Radio free FM in Ulm. Radio free FM is a non-commercial radio station in Ulm and covers the broadcasting area of Ulm, Neu-Ulm, and the surrounding region with a reach of about 50 kilometers.

The broadcast was structured as an interview but simultaneously had a very open and relaxed conversational character. It was co-hosted by Maximilian Strauß (moderator) and Heidi Detzel-Ströble (co-moderator), which quickly created a pleasant atmosphere.

The focus was on eating disorders – particularly the question: How can I support those affected? Should I address the topic or remain silent? It also covered the role of control, social media, BMI, and societal body ideals in eating disorders. A particularly important message for us was: Most people with eating disorders are of normal weight – you often can't tell just by looking at them. This is because eating disorders are mental illnesses and not a matter of weight. Every affected person deserves to be taken seriously and receive help. In this context, we also talked about my book, my motivation behind it, and of course, my personal connection to the topic as someone who has been affected myself.

Before the interview, I was very nervous: my first time on the radio, my first time live – nothing I could really prepare for. Unlike presentations or social media videos, there is no second take and no way to simply cut out mistakes. I am all the more grateful for how comfortable I felt during the conversation, even though the topic is emotionally very close to me.

I owe this to Max and Heidi, who created the perfect balance between professionalism and personal closeness. I would also like to sincerely thank the entire Radio free FM team for the invitation and the reach they enabled for me and my book. The topic of eating disorders affects many people – and precisely for this reason, it needs more space, more attention, and more open discussions. Only then can affected individuals be recognized early and effectively supported.

You can listen to and download the broadcast at any time in the Radio Free FM media library. On YouTube, you can find the podcast as well as the accompanying video with exciting behind-the-scenes impressions.

If you are interested in a presentation or collaboration, please send me an email at info.johannaelsen@web.de