Light out of Darkness: Diwali & Eating Disorders with Vedica Podar

In this week’s podcast, Han is joined by Vedica Podar. Vedica is a passionate Advocate and Ambassador for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Besides being the Founder of Kangaroo Minds and Sport Beats Stigma, Vedica is a qualified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aider, Active Listener, Suicide Gatekeeper, and soft-skills trainer.

This week, we discuss:

  • What is Diwali & what does it mean to Vedica as a Hindu?
  • Why might Diwali be difficult for someone with disordered eating?
  • Why commenting on someone's body image or food intake is normalised.
  • Vedica's tips for navigating Diwali when struggling with an eating disorder.
  • How you can support a loved one in their recovery from an eating disorder during Diwali.
  • What changes need to occur within Indian culture in order to reduce the stigma around mental health and open up conversations.

To find out more about Vedica, you can find them on Instagram & Twitter @kangaroominds or @vedica_podar, or on Facebook and LinkedIn as Kangaroo Minds.

Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.

Recent Posts

By Hannah Hickinbotham June 8, 2026
Can Fitness and Plant-Based Eating Be Part Of Eating Disorder Recovery?
By Hannah Hickinbotham June 1, 2026
The Eating Disorder Nobody Knew About For 40 Years
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 24, 2026
The Hidden Intersection: Why Identity, Neurodiversity, and Eating Disorders Often Collide 
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 17, 2026
Exercise Addiction in Eating Disorder Recovery:  When "Healthy" Movement Becomes Maladaptive
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 11, 2026
People with Eating Disorders Are at Higher Suicide Risk Yet Research Has Never Been Done Before
By Hannah Hickinbotham May 10, 2026
The Prevention Gap: Why Eating Disorder Support in UK Schools is a "Postcode Lottery" 
Show More