Breaking Free from Emotional Eating: Lessons from Renée Jones’ 40-Year Journey

Breaking Free from Emotional Eating: Lessons from Renée Jones’ 40-Year Journey

Have you ever found yourself reaching for food, not because you’re hungry, but because you’re stressed, lonely, or bored? That’s emotional eating — and it’s a trap many of us know too well.

In this week’s episode of Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations, I had the privilege of speaking with Renée Jones — counselor, TEDx speaker, and author of What’s Really Eating You. After 40 years of yo-yo dieting, Renée finally broke free of emotional eating in 2012, and she now helps others do the same.

We explored:

  • Why diets fail: It’s not about willpower — it’s about addressing the root cause.
  • The role of self-worth: Healing your self-image is essential to lasting change.
  • Managing cravings: From snack-filled homes to buffets, there are strategies to stay strong.
  • Lasting transformation: It’s about getting the “HANG” of it — Healthy mindset, Awareness, New strategies, and Growth.

Renée reminds us that food is meant to nourish, not numb. When we heal what’s really eating us, we no longer need to use food as a coping tool.

👉 Listen to the full conversation on your favourite podcast platform and learn how to break free from emotional eating, reclaim your self-worth, and find lasting freedom.

📖 Learn more about Renée’s work at packyourownbag.com.

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Finding Connection in a Disconnected World: Keith Spurgin on Loneliness, Leadership, and Authentic Relationships Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations

We are more connected than ever, yet loneliness continues to rise. In this deeply honest conversation, Keith Spurgin shares why visibility is not the same as being known, how disconnection silently shapes our identity, and what it takes to move relationships from lifeless to vibrant.Keith opens up about his own journey from internal disconnection to meaningful connection, revealing the subtle ways we tolerate relational emptiness while our souls quietly starve. Together, we explore leadership, vulnerability, emotional health, and why relational fitness matters just as much as physical fitness.This episode is an invitation to slow down, tell the truth, and take the small courageous steps that lead to genuine connection.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Connection and Disconnection04:24 Understanding the Nature of Disconnection09:18 The Illusion of Digital Connection11:56 The Importance of Self-Leadership16:23 Signs of a Dying Relationship21:31 Tolerating Toxic Behaviors26:42 Personal Journey of Disconnection33:16 The Impact of Relational Health38:12 Creating Authentic Connections in Families and Churches42:40 Practical Steps to Build Connections45:59 Living a Truly Connected LifeEpisode TakeawaysWe are more technologically connected than ever, yet more relationally disconnectedReal relationships require risk, honesty, and vulnerabilityPeople admire accomplishments but connect through shared strugglesTolerating emotional neglect quietly erodes the soulPain often becomes the doorway to transformationThe quality of life is directly tied to the quality of relationshipsForgiveness is essential for healing and reconnectionAuthentic leadership creates space for authentic relationshipsAbout Keith SpurginKeith Spurgin is an author, international speaker, leadership coach, and President of Growth Resourcing Group, an organisation dedicated to helping leaders, pastors, and business owners lead with clarity, courage, and connection.He is the founder of New Hope Church in Wylie, Texas, and the author of Unknown: Finding Connection in a Disconnected World. Keith is passionate about long term relationship building, transformational leadership, and helping people experience meaningful connection in every area of life.Website: https://keithspurgin.netYour transformation begins the moment you decide to look within.Let this book walk with you.👇 Get your copy:US/Intl: https://amzn.to/3Kk5wh4EU: https://amzn.to/48sFnG6Listen on your favourite podcast platform: ⁠https://lnkfi.re/mirrortalk⁠Don't forget to subscribe, rate, share, and comment. Thank you!CONFESSIONS is now available: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/confessions-book/ Thank you for joining me on this MIRROR TALK podcast journey. Please subscribe to any platform and remember to leave a review and rating.Stay connected: https://linktr.ee/mirrortalkpodcast More inspiring episodes and show notes are here: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/podcast-episodes/ Your opinions, thoughts, suggestions, and comments are important to us. Please share them here: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/your-opinion-matters/ Could you support us by becoming a Patreon? Please consider subscribing to one or more of our offerings at http://patreon.com/MirrorTalk All proceeds will help enhance the quality of our work and outreach, enabling us to serve you better.We use and trust these podcasting tools, software, and gear. We’ve partnered with amazing platforms to give our Mirror Talk community exclusive deals and discounts: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/best-podcasting-tools/
  1. Finding Connection in a Disconnected World: Keith Spurgin on Loneliness, Leadership, and Authentic Relationships
  2. Financial Alignment Over Success: Julie Murphy on Emotional Wellness, Money Mindset, and the PACT Method
  3. Surrender to Lead: How Trust, Belief, and Inner Alignment Transform Leadership Culture with Dr. Jessica Kriegel
  4. From Barefoot Backpacker to Conscious Leader: Jem Fuller on Flow, Leadership and Resilience
  5. Intentional Living and Lifestyle Stewardship: How to Become an Authorised Wealth Distributor with Larry O’Nan

CONFESSIONS is now available: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/confessions-book/ 

Thank you for joining me on this MIRROR TALK podcast journey. Please subscribe to any platform and remember to leave a review and rating.

Stay connected: https://linktr.ee/mirrortalkpodcast 

More inspiring episodes and show notes are here: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/podcast-episodes/ 

Your opinions, thoughts, suggestions, and comments are important to us. Share them here: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/your-opinion-matters/ 

Support us by becoming a Patron. Please consider subscribing to one or more of our offerings at http://patreon.com/MirrorTalk 

All proceeds will help enhance the quality of our work and outreach, enabling us to serve you better.

We use and trust these podcasting tools, software, and gear. We’ve partnered with amazing platforms to give our Mirror Talk community exclusive deals and discounts: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/mirror-talks-recommended-podcasting-tools-exclusive-discounts/ 

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