EP 159: Paul Dermody — The Emptiness Of Overeating

Why do so many people spend their entire lives dieting, yet still feel trapped in the same cycle? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Dermody to explore the psychology behind eating, behaviour change, body image, and why so many of us try to solve emotional struggles with mathematical solutions. Paul shares the thinking behind his new book and explains why nutrition may be a hard science — but eating is a deeply human soft skill. We talk about shame, curiosity, emotional eating, calorie tracking, black-and-white thinking, and the “now or never” mindset that keeps people stuck in cycles of restriction and guilt. We also dive into:Why curiosity matters more than self-criticismThe hidden emotional drivers behind overeatingWhat people misunderstand about calorie trackingHow body image shapes behaviourWhy “the wagon” doesn’t actually existThe role of core beliefs and personal values in long-term changeEmotional nutrients and what we’re really hungry forLearning flexibility instead of perfectionPaul also shares deeply personal reflections on self-worth, body image, and the inner critic many people see when they step on a scale. This conversation goes far beyond weight loss. It’s about learning to understand yourself with more honesty, compassion, and awareness — instead of constantly trying to fix yourself. A thoughtful, powerful conversation for anyone who has ever struggled with food, body image, or feeling like they’re never quite enough.