In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with Robyn Goldberg, RDN, a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, author, and podcast host. Robyn shares her journey as a lifelong athlete—from competing in tennis at the collegiate level to training for triathlons—and the painful lessons she learned when her body broke down after years of being told to 'just push through.' Her story highlights the harmful cultural and athletic messages around pain, performance, and identity, and how ignoring the body’s signals can have lasting consequences. Together, Cristina and Robyn explore topics such as how athletics shape body image, what perimenopause teaches us about longevity, and why families and clinicians urgently need better tools to support individuals with eating disorders. This candid conversation offers wisdom on resilience, reframing health, and the importance of truly listening to your body at every stage of life.

Robyn began her career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as the in-patient dietitian in the Department of Cardiology. Over the last twenty-seven years she has developed her own private practice in Los Angeles, CA. She is a contributing author and is a nationally and internationally known registered dietitian nutritionist. She has been quoted in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and Vogue. She has been on national television as the eating disorder expert on The Insider.   Robyn is the author of the book The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones, Co-author of the online course Your Recovery Resource and the host of the podcast The Eating Disorder Trap Podcast.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Robyn’s journey from competitive tennis to triathlons, and how sports culture shaped her body image and self-concept.
  • The long-term impact of ignoring pain and how overtraining led to repeated surgeries and setbacks.
  • How identity can become tied to athletic performance—and what happens when that identity shifts.
  • The realities of perimenopause and aging, and how Robyn reframes her approach to health and longevity.
  • Why families, partners, and clinicians need better education about eating disorders.
  • Tools for listening to your body, honoring limits, and finding movement that supports well-being.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Meet Today's Guest: Robyn Goldberg
  • 03:00 Robyn's Journey: From Tennis to Triathlons
  • 05:07 The Impact of Pain and Injury
  • 09:30 Shifting Perspectives on Movement and Health
  • 18:03 Robyn's Professional Work and Resources
  • 22:58 Conclusion and Podcast Information

CONNECT WITH ROBYN:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

The content of this podcast episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or affiliated organizations. If you have any medical or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to topics related to body image, weight stigma, and eating disorders.