Episode 69: Kirsten Haglund (she/hers), Mental Health Advocate, and Miss America 2008, shares her recovery journey

Francis and Catherine are thrilled to welcome to the podcast Kirsten Haglund, an international speaker, mental health advocate, community relations specialist for Timberline Knolls, and Miss America 2008. In this conversation, Kirsten shares her own experience of developing an eating disorder and then finding recovery through hard work and at times difficult choices about what could and could not fit into her life.

Kirsten talks us through the experience participating in–and winning–the Miss America pageant as someone in recovery and reveals the incredible benefits she received from the experience, both through scholarships and also through the opportunity to talk to girls across the country about body image and eating disorders. In addition, Kirsten discusses her foundation, the Kirsten Haglund Foundation, and the work she does to help those impacted by eating disorders.

Through her media and communications company, En Pointe, Kirsten currently serves as a social media consultant and content creator. Her Op-Eds on politics, culture and non-profit advocacy have appeared in the New York Daily News, Forbes.com, Huff Post and in industry journals. She served as Miss America 2008 and Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

We’re grateful Kirsten took the time to talk with us so candidly about her eating disorder and recovery, and we hope you gain as much from the conversation as we have.