Second Helpings

Second Helpings

Second Helpings isn’t just for people who avoid carbs and drink charcoal. But if you miss the taste of midnight pizza and want to start living your best life, welcome — you’re in the right place. Shortlisted for the Independent Podcast Awards 2025, Second Helpings is an honest, darkly funny conversation about eating disorder recovery, mental health, and the pop culture that shapes how we see ourselves. From Normal People to Taylor Swift, #girldinner to the latest wellness trends, your hosts unpack the culture and stories we love — and the stories we tell ourselves. One host is a clinical psychologist. The other is a writer who once skipped dessert because she thought it was a waste of calories. Together, they get real about recovery, body image, addiction, modern dating, and why “manifestation” still isn’t a substitute for therapy (sorry, TikTok). Expect unscripted conversations, sharp humour, and two hosts who bring fresh perspectives on life in your late twenties. New episodes of Second Helpings drop bi-weekly.

Episodes

December 19, 2025 57 mins
Skip to 25:00 for discussion of the book! In this episode, Alice and Maria discuss Sally Rooney’s Normal People and unpack why its portrayal of young love feels so intimate, unsettling, and painfully familiar. What makes Connell and Marianne’s relationship so compelling — and so damaging? And why do stories about first love so often blur the line between connection and self-erasure? In this episode, we discuss: Young love and tox...
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In our Season 2 premiere, we unpack Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” and explore how the song reframes one of literature’s most famous tragedies. Why do we keep returning to the image of the doomed woman in love? And what does it mean when pop culture tells us — again and again — that romance is the cure for our deepest wounds? In this episode, we discuss: – Romantic love as a supposed saviour – Ophelia as the quintessential t...
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On today's special episode all about modern dating, Maria and Alice discuss how they knew that they had found "the one" and the perks of moving in together. Also on the menu: telling your date about your eating disorder, the worst parts of casual dating culture and how to tell when you should actually just block that person for your own sanity. Note: This episode was re-uploaded to fix an audio issue. TW: Eating disorders, d...
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March 29, 2025 53 mins
In this episode, Alice and Maria discuss whether social media was the cause of their body image issues and how they consume it today. Is TikTok the source of all evil? Does Alice still watch triggering content? As always, there will be discussions of eating disorders and other mature content. Love this episode? Join our Patreon community to ask questions and share your opinions. patreon.com/SecondHelpings @mikwiik is an actress ...
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March 29, 2025 47 mins
*This episode has been re-uploaded with better audio* After a nasty depressive episode, Alice is functional and joined by Maria to discuss a topic that they've been dying to bring up: wellness trends. From reformer pilates and standing desks to juice cleanses and parasite detoxes, they've tried them all. But are wellness fads really masking a deeper problem, and do they encourage disordered eating? Love this episode? Join our ...
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October 15, 2024 33 mins
Send us a text This episode of Second Helpings is a throwback conversation between Alice and Maria about shame, friendship and Alice’s eating disorder – and why she might be a little bit envious of John Mulaney’s intervention. If you’re struggling with any of the issues raised in this episode, it can get better. We’ve listed some useful resources below. BEAT (UK) NEDA (USA) Maria Wiik @mikwiik is an actress and clinical psychologis...
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October 1, 2024 19 mins
Send us a text We were supposed to launch Second Helpings over a year ago. But then Alice relapsed. In this episode, Alice explains why she decided to start the show anyway – and what listeners can expect from a podcast all about eating disorder recovery. If you’re struggling with any of the issues raised in this episode, it can get better. We’ve listed some useful resources below. BEAT (UK) NEDA (USA) Maria Wiik @mikwiik is an act...
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Send us a text Second Helpings launches on 10/1. This podcast isn’t just for people who avoid carbs and drink charcoal – but if you miss the taste of midnight pizza and want to start living your best life, we’re so glad you’re here.  Second Helpings is an honest conversation about eating disorder recovery with a healthy dose of dark humour. Because what’s funnier than spending years of life measuring out your cereal? One of your ho...
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