We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jason Wood. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jason below.

Jason, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Talking about my personal mental health struggles was a major step outside of my comfort zone. For most of my life, I listened to the gender and societal norms that exist. The norms that told me men shouldn’t talk about their emotions. There is also the stigma around mental illness in our society where many people feel shame when speaking up or asking for help.

That’s why deciding to launch my blog and share my story was a major risk! I wasn’t sure how folks would respond to my decision to go public.

I’ll never forget how nervous I was the night before my book came out. What will others think of me? Could I lose my job because they think I’m unstable? Will anybody even care?

Less than 24 hours I would see the risk turn to reward when folks began reaching out from across the world to share their stories with me. I learned right away the tremendous power in vulnerability. Thanks to my decision to take a risk and be vulnerable and authentic, I helped others heal as well as myself.

Jason, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In 2020, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and OCD. This diagnosis came after years of struggling in silence. I’ve now turned my battle with mental illness into a mission to change the narrative around mental health and eating disorders, especially in men.

In 2021, I launched my blog Orthorexia Bites and later published my memoir Starving for Survival. I now spend a lot of time touring the country to speak with college students about mental health and eating disorders. I hope to help others get the help they deserve and to break free of the chains of stigma and diet culture.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

For me, it all boils down to authenticity. I share my ups and downs with my social media friends. I realized early on that when I am honest and authentic that my message seems to resonate more with the audience. At the end of the day, building a reputation is built on the simple, yet not always easy, act of being myself.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

For me, partnership has been extremely important. I partner and collaborate with national non-profits and mental health organizations to increase my visibility in the field.

Contact Info:

• Website: orthorexiabites.com
• Instagram: orthorexiabites
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jason-wood-303