Leah Stiles: Breaking the Silence on Eating Disorders in the Military
Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Leah Stiles shares her journey from silently battling an eating disorder during military service to founding SEA WAVES, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, and military families through education, advocacy, and recovery
What if one of the toughest battles a service member faces isn't on the battlefield—but within themselves?
In this compelling episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Leah Stiles, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, Founder and CEO of SEA WAVES, to discuss the often-overlooked issue of eating disorders within the military community.
For more than 20 years, Leah served her country while privately fighting an eating disorder, a struggle hidden behind the expectations of strength, discipline, and resilience. Today, she has transformed that experience into a national mission, leading SEA WAVES to provide education, advocacy, prevention, and resources for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families affected by eating disorders and mental health challenges.
Together, Rich and Leah explore the realities of military culture, the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and why asking for help is one of the greatest acts of courage.
In This Episode You'll Discover:
• Leah Stiles' remarkable journey from Navy Senior Chief to nonprofit founder
• Why eating disorders remain one of the military's least discussed mental health challenges
• The connection between trauma, military service, perfectionism, and recovery
• How leaders can identify warning signs and create supportive environments
• The mission and impact of SEA WAVES in the military community
• Practical insights into resilience, healing, and breaking the stigma around mental health
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, healthcare professional, leader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this conversation offers powerful lessons in courage, resilience, and hope.
Learn more about SEA WAVES: https://www.sea-waves.org/
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow The MisFitNation Show, leave a rating and review, and share this conversation to help amplify awareness around mental health and support those who may be struggling in silence.
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