Let me introduce you to Dave Chawner. Dave is a legend in my eyes after our conversation. He’s a best selling author (Weight Expectations: One Man’s Recovery from Anorexia), award winning comic and mental health campaigner, who manages to bring upbeat vibes and humour into conversations about serious life challenges. We got together (remotely) deep in the COVID-19 lockdown to talk grief, mental wellbeing, eating disorders, recovery and writing. Dave shared a little about the life experiences that have shaped his mindset today. In his late teens he fell into the grips of anorexia, although it took many more years to accept support and acknowledge he was ill. It was fascinating to hear his refreshing perspectives on discovering actionable new coping mechanisms, long-term recovery and a heap more. He’s truly a shining light when talking about such serious issues, championing brutal honesty, real talk and empowerment in recovery. We also explored the culture of congratulation on weight loss and appearance in our western world, the surprising gifts taking root after an eating disorder and the guilt that can accompany them, and the painful process of writing his book. This guy is supremely funny and warm and I’d recommend you all to go check his writing and comedy out through the show notes on ofmountainsandminds.com.