Turning 40 and Unraveling Codependency

Author: Stephanie McLaughlin
Published: Tue 04 Feb 2025
Episode Link: https://fortydrinks.com/episodes/turning-40-and-unraveling-codependency

In this episode of The Big Four Oh Podcast, Stephanie talks to Emily Hall, who shares her remarkable journey through tumultuous life experiences, including a toxic childhood, substance abuse, near-death experiences, and codependent relationships. Emily opens up about her emotional breakdown on her 40th birthday and the pivotal moment she realized she needed to change her life. Through intense self-work, therapy, and a transformational shift in mindset, she managed to build a fulfilling life, focusing on her passions and helping others with binge eating disorders. Her candid recounting of her struggle and triumphs offers invaluable insights into the power of self-love and resilience.

Guest Bio

Would you choose chocolate over your eyesight? It’s a hard no, right? So, why was Emily Hall’s answer a ‘Yes’?

After losing the sight permanently in her left eye as a result of her binge eating (yes, chocolate came first) and several other significant events including surviving a suicide attempt, Emily decided that enough was enough and went on a quest for happiness and self-acceptance. Ditching the traditional ways of self-healing Emily began to realise that only she could change the self-sabotaging patterns that were holding her back.

Now an award-winning hypnotherapist and coach, Emily works with women around the world to help stop them binge eating, overeating and emotional eating just by changing how they think. She has unrivalled success in her field, getting her clients food freedom for good and loving themselves naked (!) in just a matter of weeks.

Emily has been featured on the BBC, GB News, The Sun, The Daily Mail, The Mirror, The Express, Yahoo and MSN to name a few, talking about this subject. Her aim is to eliminate the stigma of overeating, emotional eating and weight issues and help educate people that diets are not the answer, and that it’s not even about food.

Turning 40 and Unraveling Codependency

Emily Hall's 40th birthday wasn’t the celebration she imagined—it was a breaking point. Years of trauma, toxic relationships, and personal struggles finally brought her to tears. But instead of staying broken, Emily embarked on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her deepest fears and limiting beliefs. From near-death experiences and a crushing heartbreak to a triumphant reinvention, Emily now helps others heal from disordered eating and internal battles. Join us as she shares the raw and emotional story behind her incredible transformation.

Episode Highlights

Emily's traumatic childhood led to years of self-destructive behavior.
A toxic relationship and unmet life expectations triggered her 40th birthday breakdown.
She endured near-death experiences, which shaped but didn't define her transformation.
Codependency and low self-worth influenced many of her relationships.
When her life imploded, Emily reached a crossroads with only three options—one of which saved her life.
Her healing process included retraining her internal dialogue, engaging with forward-thinking coaches, and cutting out toxic influences.
Emily has since built a successful business helping women overcome disordered eating by addressing deep-seated self-beliefs.

Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that life’s toughest challenges can be the catalyst for incredible growth. Through deep inner work and self-compassion, she has found peace, success, and a new purpose. If you’ve ever felt stuck in negative patterns, Emily’s experience might offer the insight and inspiration you need to move forward.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast! It helps us reach more listeners on their paths of transformation.

Guest Resources

Join Emily’s Beat the Binge Online Course

Connect with Emily on Facebook

Connect with Emily on Instagram

Connect with Emily on TikTok

Do you have the Midlife Ick?

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. It’s one of the first signs of a midlife transition. www.thebigfouroh/ick