THE FEMINIST WELL-BEING PODCAST
It’s Beyond the Food Podcast
Join well-being expert Stephanie Dodier as she guides on how to feel damn good by reshaping your mind instead of your body. Let’s go beyond the food and fight diet culture & patriarchy by living powerfully. Through solo episodes and special guest interviews, you’ll walk away with ressources to embrace your well-being & health in a way that will expand your freedom and power.
Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
THE WELL-BEING FEMINIST PODCAST
It’s Beyond the Food Podcast
Join well-being expert Stephanie Dodier as she guides on how to feel damn good by reshaping your mind instead of your body. Let’s go beyond the food and fight diet culture & patriarchy by living powerfully. Through solo episodes and special guest interviews, you’ll walk away with ressources to embrace your well-being & health in a way that will expand your freedom and power.
Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Our Most Recent Episodes
396-Speaking Up & Podcasting with Michelle Leotta
Finding the Courage to Embrace Your Authentic Voice
In this episode of the It’s Beyond The Food podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michelle Leotta, a fellow podcaster and entrepreneur. We explored the journey of finding the courage to embrace your authentic voice, particularly in the realm of podcasting and entrepreneurship. Our conversation shed light on the common struggles women face in accepting and expressing their true selves.
The Struggle to Love Our Own Voices
Many women, including Michelle and myself, have struggled with accepting our own voices. We shared our experiences of hearing our recorded voices for the first time and feeling a sense of aversion. This is a common phenomenon rooted in societal conditioning and misogyny, where women are often taught to diminish themselves and their voices from a young age. The media and pop culture we consume reinforce these harmful stereotypes, perpetuating the notion that women’s voices should be soft, quiet, and unobtrusive.
Breaking Free from Perfection
In the early stages of our podcasting endeavors, both Michelle and I found ourselves striving for perfection. We would meticulously plan and script our episodes, fearing mistakes or imperfections. We invested significant effort into managing our appearances, tone, and delivery, attempting to conform to societal expectations of how women should present themselves. However, over time, we realized that our listeners responded better when we allowed our authentic selves to shine through, embracing the occasional stumble or unscripted moment. This shift towards authenticity not only resonated more deeply with our audiences but also alleviated the mental burden of constantly striving for an unattainable ideal.
The Power of Speaking Up
As we go deeper into the conversation, Michelle shared her transformative journey of finding her voice in the male-dominated advertising industry. She recognized the importance of speaking up and not allowing herself to be overshadowed or silenced by her male colleagues. This newfound confidence extended beyond her professional life, empowering her to advocate for herself in personal relationships as well. Michelle’s story serves as a powerful reminder that our voices hold immense value and that speaking up can be a catalyst for positive change in all aspects of our lives.
Connecting with the Right Audience
One of the keys to embracing your authentic voice, according to Michelle, is finding the right audience – a community that values and resonates with your message. When you focus on the impact you have on others, it fuels your courage to speak up and be heard. Connecting with like-minded individuals who appreciate and celebrate your authenticity creates a positive feedback loop, reinforcing your confidence and empowering you to continue sharing your truth.
The Rise of Women’s Voices in Podcasting
Despite the industries of self-development and health traditionally being dominated by male voices, Michelle and I have both achieved remarkable success with our podcasts. Our shows rank in the top 1% of all podcasts, a testament to the power of women’s voices and the demand for authentic, relatable content. As more women embrace their unique perspectives and share their stories, we are witnessing a shift in the podcasting landscape, challenging long-standing norms and creating space for diverse narratives.
Getting Started with Podcasting
Michelle generously offered a free quick-start guide for those interested in launching their own podcast. The guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a podcast, even with limited resources. Michelle emphasizes that the initial episodes may not be perfect, but the key is to start and let your voice develop over time. By taking that first step and committing to consistency, you can cultivate your unique voice and build a loyal following that resonates with your message.
Conclusion
Speaking up and embracing your authentic voice is a transformative process that requires courage, self-acceptance, and a willingness to challenge societal norms. Michelle Leotta’s story serves as an inspiration for women to overcome the conditioning that has silenced them for far too long and step into their power. By focusing on the impact we can have on others and finding the right audience, we can amplify our voices and contribute to the rising tide of women’s perspectives in the podcasting world and beyond. As we continue to elevate diverse narratives and create space for authenticity, we pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering future.
Michelle Leotta is a certified health coach who has helped 1000’s of clients around the world over the past 14 years. She’s been featured on ABC, CBS, NPR and in the curriculum at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Based on her success and 20+ years of online marketing experience, Michelle created Healthy Profit University in 2017 to help health coaches make their dream career a reality. She’s a single mom of two boys and has zero plans to cover the hard-earned silver streaks in her curls.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode on Speaking Up & Podcasting with Michelle Leotta:
- How to overcome the fear of hearing your own voice
- The power of embracing imperfections and being authentic
- Strategies for finding the right audience and making an impact
- Steps to start your own podcast and share your voice with the world
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
Grab Michelle Leotta’s Free Podcast Quick Start Guide
395-How to Hack Your Time with Vikki Yaffe
How to Hack Your Time: Unlearning Time Management Myths
Are you constantly feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Do you struggle with managing your time effectively? Many of us have been taught myths about time management that leave us feeling overwhelmed and unproductive.
In this episode of the Beyond the Food podcast, I sat down with Vikki Yaffe, a time-hacking expert. We discussed how to unlearn these damaging time myths and embrace a more empowering approach to time management.
The Discriminatory Nature of Time Management
We started our conversation by highlighting a profound truth: time itself doesn’t discriminate, but the way we’re taught to manage it does. She pointed out that current time management norms and structures ignore the needs of:
– Women (who operate on different cycles than men)
– Neurodivergent individuals
– People with chronic illnesses
– Parents
– Creative professionals
This oversight leads to frustration and a sense of failure when traditional time management tools don’t work for us.
How to Hack Your Time: Debunking the “Not Enough Time” Myth
One of the most common complaints I hear from women is, “I just don’t have enough time.” Vikki’s response? “Absolutely! You’ve got too much to do and not enough time.”
But here’s the kicker: acknowledging this truth is just the first step. The real magic happens when we start making intentional choices about our time.
Vikki suggests:
1. Deleting 50% of tasks (you’ll likely still achieve the same results)
2. Doing some things “less good” or “less perfect”
3. Getting clear on what truly matters
She introduced a powerful question: “What do I want to be an example of for the next generation?” This perspective shift can help us prioritize self-care and make better choices.
Time Hacking: It’s All About Your Brain
Vikki’s approach to time management, which she calls “time hacking,” focuses on the root cause of our time struggles: our brain. She argues that traditional time management tools themselves can be a waste of time if they don’t address how our brains work.
Some examples of brain-based time wasters include:
– Rewriting to-do lists multiple times
– Over-planning without action
– Perfecting plans instead of executing them
Time Hacking Strategies
So, how can we start hacking our time? Vikki shared several strategies:
1. Understand your brain loves wasting time (it’s trying to conserve energy)
2. Recognize that “I don’t have enough time” is just a thought (and a harmful one)
3. Set deadlines that work for you (things take as long as you let them)
4. Give yourself excess time instead of rushing
The key is to develop a kinder, more playful relationship with time. Stop being so serious and rigid about it!
Hustle Culture: The Cousin of Diet Culture
As someone who’s spent years fighting diet culture, I was struck by the parallels Vikki drew between time management and dieting. Both industries thrive on making us feel inadequate.
Just as there are thousands of diet plans, there are countless time management tools. If any of them truly worked, we’d all use the same one!
Vikki defines “hustle” as doing things to change a belief about ourselves. Sound familiar? It’s like trying to lose weight to feel worthy. But true change comes from addressing the root cause – our thoughts and beliefs.
Learning to Invest Your Time
One of my favorite concepts from our conversation was viewing time as an investment. Vikki, with her background in financial investing, has developed a framework around “time debt” and “time investing.”
The idea is simple yet profound: what we do today can set us up for success (or failure) tomorrow. By connecting with our future selves, we make better decisions in the present.
Vikki the founder & CEO of Time Hackers, used to think “being disorganised” was a personality trait. She’s on a mission to take on the entire time management industry and help people achieve more, faster, while being kind to themselves along the way.
What you’ll learn listening to this podcast episode on how to hack your time:
• Why traditional time management tools often fail and what to do instead.
• How to identify and overcome your brain’s time-wasting tactics.
• Strategies for investing your time wisely to achieve more by doing less.
• The surprising connection between hustle culture and diet culture.
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
394-How I Coach Self-Sabotage
How I Coach Self-Sabotage: A Fresh Perspective on Personal Growth
Are you tired of feeling stuck, despite your best efforts to move forward? You’re not alone. As a non-diet nutritionist and certified coach with a Ph.D. in diet culture (yes, you read that right!), I’ve spent years unraveling the mystery of self-sabotage.
In this podcast episode, I’ll share my unique approach to coaching self-sabotage, helping you break free from old patterns and create lasting change.
Redefining Self-Sabotage: It’s Not What You Think
Self-sabotage is commonly defined as actions (or inactions) that prevent us from achieving our goals. But here’s where my perspective diverges from the norm.
Self-Sabotage: A Coping Mechanism, Not a Character Flaw
The internet often labels self-sabotage as a weakness, a lack of discipline, or insufficient willpower. I disagree. My years of experience and study in psychology reveal a different truth: people self-sabotage because they don’t feel safe.
This safety issue can be emotional, mental, or physical, operating on both conscious and unconscious levels. It’s not about your worth or intelligence; it’s about protection.
The Hidden Forces Behind Self-Sabotage
Unconscious Triggers: Past Traumas and Family Dynamics
Unconscious reasons for self-sabotage often trace back to our past. Consider my own experience: being publicly weighed at Weight Watchers at age 12. That’s not just embarrassing; it’s traumatic.
Other triggers can include family upbringing, bullying experiences, or deeply ingrained belief systems.
Conscious Choices: Creating Safety in Uncomfortable Situations
Sometimes, we’re fully aware of why we’re self-sabotaging. Years ago, I avoided my CrossFit gym because I knew what awaited me: yelling coaches and judgmental partners. My “self-sabotage” was a conscious choice to avoid rejection and stress.
The Diet Culture Connection: When Your Body Feels Threatened
Diet culture is a prime example of how self-sabotage serves as a safety mechanism. When we restrict food, our body interprets it as a threat. “Danger! We’re starving!” it screams.
Our innate fight-or-flight response kicks in, overriding willpower. That’s why diets don’t work—they try to bypass our most basic survival instincts.
My Approach: Cognitive Behavior Coaching
While traditional health coaching relies on accountability and discipline, I use cognitive behavior coaching, a science-based method that truly understands human behavior.
Step 1: Reframe Self-Sabotage
We start by redefining self-sabotage as a smart coping mechanism. You’re not broken; you’re trying to feel safe. Actions like procrastination or perfectionism are neutral—they say nothing about your worth.
Step 2: Investigate Root Causes
Next, we dig into why you’re behaving this way. I ask clients to write down all their thoughts about a specific goal, like exercise. What have you learned about it? How does it make you feel?
Often, we uncover feelings of anxiety, depression, or shame—the real culprits behind self-sabotage.
Step 3: Process Emotions
The hardest part? Sitting with these emotions. Our society offers endless distractions—phones, Netflix—to avoid feelings. But processing emotions is key to accessing safety.
Step 4: Choose New Thoughts
Here’s a game-changer: you can choose what you think. When I learned this, it was a “holy shit” moment. Those unsafe thoughts leading to self-sabotage? You can change them.
Step 5: Take Small Steps
Finally, we use techniques like “minimum baseline” to reintroduce feared activities in small bites. If exercise feels unsafe, it might take months to feel comfortable at a gym again—and that’s okay.
Self-Sabotage: Your Body’s Wisdom
I believe self-sabotage is your body’s innate wisdom signaling a need for change. It’s urging you to either leave an unsafe situation or transform your thoughts about it.
Consider my journey with fatphobia. As a fat woman, I can’t escape it—unless I diet again, which I tried for 25 years. No thanks! So, I’m changing my thoughts, as I shared in my recent podcast episode.
Be Patient, Be Kind
Changing self-sabotage behavior takes time, especially if you’ve been battling diet culture. If you’re cycling on and off a behavior, you’re likely not addressing self-sabotage safely.
But there’s hope. By reframing self-sabotage as a call for safety, not a personal failing, you can make lasting changes. It’s a journey of patience and self-compassion.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- Why self-sabotage isn’t a sign of weakness, but a cry for safety
- How diet culture and perfectionism fuel self-sabotaging behaviors
- Practical steps to reframe self-sabotage and foster personal growth
Mentioned in the show:
393-Work-Life Balance Is a Scam with Unyime Oguta
Work-Life Balance Is a Scam: Unyime Oguta’s Perspective on Self-ish Motherhood
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly juggling work and family, trying to achieve that elusive work-life balance? In this episode of the It’s Beyond The Food podcast, I sat down with Unyime, a life coach for working moms, who boldly claims: work-life balance is a scam.
Unyime’s Take on the Work-Life Balance Myth
During our conversation, Unyime posed a thought-provoking question: “Is it even normal for a woman to work full-time and have kids?” In her opinion, it’s not. She argues that when we have young children, we’re technically meant to be with them all the time. Now we’re layering 40 more hours in a week. It’s just not normal.
So, why do we chase this elusive work-life balance? Unyime explains it’s because we’re taught to believe that being a “good mom” means doing it all, having it all, and being totally balanced. But she asserts: it’s not possible.
The Power of Being Self-ish
When I asked Unyime about this concept, she clarified, “I’m not telling you to be selfish. I’m telling you to be ‘self-ish’ – putting yourself first.” She explains it’s about coming back to self, not in an idolatrous way, but recognizing that you’re human with a spirit in this body.
Unyime asserts, “Making peace with being self-ish is realizing that your peace depends on it.” She advises women to ask themselves, “How is this showing up in my peace?” or “How is this impacting my peace?”. When we do this, she says, we can never go wrong.
Breaking Intergenerational Trauma
Unyime’s perspective isn’t just about individual well-being. She sees embracing self-ish motherhood as a way to break cycles. Just as we’re working to break the intergenerational trauma of dieting, she believes we can do the same with the “good mother” syndrome.
As a mother of three daughters, Unyime sees this as her mission. By modeling self-ish behavior, she’s showing her girls they have permission to prioritize themselves. She muses, “Imagine if all women just woke up and decided they’re okay with how they’re raising their kids. A lot of the self-help books on parenting wouldn’t exist!”
Redefining Self-Care
When discussing being self-ish, we couldn’t avoid the topic of self-care. Unyime believes that in today’s environment, our approach to self-care is somewhat toxic. It’s often seen as an activity – a bubble bath, a pedicure – rather than a relationship with yourself.
She argues that self-care isn’t just about soothing yourself to get back on the wheel. It’s about solving issues at the root, asking: “Am I worthy of rest? How am I feeling about myself?” Once that’s grounded, she says, the pedicures become something you do because you want to, not as a coping mechanism.
High Maintenance Baseline
One concept that truly resonated was Unyime’s idea of having a high-maintenance baseline. She clarifies this isn’t about being snotty; it’s about setting high standards for what makes you feel well-cared for.
She gave personal examples: she has a high maintenance standard for eating, refusing to eat her kids’ leftovers. In communication, she’s respectful, honoring, and open to learning. These are her standards.
Unyime believes when you have a high maintenance baseline, it invites others to step up. It’s about raising each other up. “When you rise, and I rise,” she says, “we have the power to keep pulling everybody else up with us.”
Conclusion: Crafting Your Own Path
Unyime sees the whole adage of “having it all” as very patriarchal. It’s not about having what you want; it’s about having what people want you to have. That’s when you get into trouble. Instead, she encourages women to craft what makes them feel good.
She believes women have the wisdom to want to craft what makes them feel good, not to dominate others. That’s the biggest difference between matriarchy and patriarchy – matriarchy is about moving as a collective. It’s not just about us; it’s about transforming generations.
Unyime Oguta is a Life Strategist, Coach, and Speaker for women who is passionate about redefining what it means for women, especially working moms to ‘have it all’ in motherhood, career, and life. As a working mom of 3, and through her personal recovery experience from burnout to thriving, she now supports women in creating lives where success doesn’t have to cost them their peace, well-being, or presence with loved ones.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- Why work-life balance is an unrealistic expectation for working moms
- How to make peace with being “self-ish” in motherhood
- Why your baseline should be high maintenance
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
392-Fatphobia: How I Handle It
Fatphobia: How I Handle It
In this powerful episode of the Feminist Wellbeing Podcast-It’s Beyond The Food, I share my personal journey with fatphobia and weight discrimination.
My Encounter with Fatphobia Began at 12
The Roots of Weight Stigma
At just 12 years old, I was directed to Weight Watchers by an adult. This marked the beginning of my experience with weight discrimination. I was shamed publicly for not losing weight at such a young age. Being ridiculed and singled out for my body size as a child was extremely damaging.
Living in Two Worlds: Dieting and Fatphobia
The Cycle of Weight Loss and Regain
Throughout my 20s and 30s, I lived in two worlds – dieting and weight regain. During periods of weight loss, I experienced temporary reprieve from fatphobia. Society treated me better when I was in a smaller body. But once I regained the weight, the harsh judgment and discrimination resurfaced. This cycle was mentally and emotionally exhausting.
The Toll of Internalized Oppression
Compliance as a Coping Mechanism
To protect myself from rejection, I adopted coping mechanisms like overworking and people-pleasing. I became the perfect employee and excelled academically to offset being judged for my size. This internalized oppression and constant need to compensate took a severe mental and emotional toll, eventually leading to burnout in my early 40s.
My Transformation: From Compliance to Body Liberation
Step 1: Setting Boundaries
The first step in my journey was setting firm boundaries. I avoided situations that could trigger weight stigma to give myself a much-needed mental and emotional break. This meant declining travel to avoid being mistreated on airplanes.
Step 2: Seeking Professional Help
Next, I invested in coaching to build the mental and emotional capacity to deal with fatphobia healthily. This additional cost and labor highlights an unfortunate reality – fat people must often pay more for services to be treated with basic human dignity.
Step 3: No More Compliance for Safety
Instead of complying to feel safe, I learned to create safety for myself through self-compassion and nervous system regulation techniques like breathing exercises.
Step 4: Changing Thoughts and Beliefs
With a solid foundation, I could change my thoughts about fatphobia’s impact on my life. I acknowledged its existence in society but decided how much power it would have over my personal experience.
Fatphobia: How I Handle It – Living Powerfully
Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Providers
Today, I proactively set boundaries with new healthcare providers to ensure respectful treatment. Before my first appointment, I outline my needs on paper. If the provider cannot comply, I leave and find a better fit. While frustrating, this extra labor allows me to access quality care.
Using My Fatness as a Catalyst for Change
I now use my fatness to provoke conversations and get hired for speaking engagements centered on body liberation. But this was only possible after the hard work of healing internalized fatphobia. I’m able to make a powerful impact by showing up wholly and visibly in my fat body.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode on fatphobia-how I handle it:
- The harsh realities of weight stigma in society
- How I overcame internalized fat-shaming
- Practical steps to deal with fatphobia powerfully
Mentioned in the show:
391-How to Overcome Binge Eating with Stefanie and Sarah of Life After Diets Podcast
How to Overcome Binge Eating
Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of binge eating? If so, you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, Stefanie and Sarah from the “Life After Diets Podcast” join me for a candid conversation about overcoming compulsive eating.
What Is Compulsive Eating?
We kick off by defining the difference between compulsive and impulsive eating. While impulsive eating is mindless snacking without forethought, compulsive eating feels like a loss of control – a behavior driven by forces beyond our conscious will.
How to Overcome Binge Eating: The Nervous System’s Role
Stefanie eloquently explains how our nervous system plays a crucial role in both creating and healing binge eating. When we restrict our food intake, our body perceives it as a threat and increases hunger signals to restore balance.
However, our conscious mind often rejects these signals, leading to an internal conflict. This clash between our body’s needs and our desire for control can fuel a compulsive eating cycle fueled by shame and self-criticism.
The Importance of Self-Compassion
Sarah emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in recovery. Shame corrodes our belief in our ability to change, making it harder to break free from compulsive patterns. By connecting with others who understand this struggle, we can cultivate self-compassion and emotional resilience.
How to Overcome Binge Eating: The Power of Support
Both Stefanie and Sarah stress the value of support in overcoming binge eating. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group therapy, or online communities, having someone to hold our hand through the recovery journey can make all the difference.
Stefanie’s coaching practice, for instance, offers daily WhatsApp check-ins to provide consistent, safe support – a lifeline for those navigating the challenges of compulsive eating day by day.
The Path to Recovery
Ultimately, the path to recovery isn’t about stopping binge eating but addressing the underlying needs and traumas that fuel the compulsion. As Sarah notes, trying to stop binge eating by solely focusing on stopping often backfires.
Instead, we must shift our attention to creating safety, self-acceptance, and a life less compatible with compulsive patterns. This process may involve therapy, somatic work, or simply learning to hold ourselves with fierce compassion, as Stephanie beautifully describes.
A Powerful Reminder
This conversation is a powerful reminder that binge eating isn’t a personal failing but a complex interplay of biology, psychology, and social conditioning. By understanding the nervous system’s role, cultivating self-compassion, and leaning on support, we can break free from the shame and isolation that often perpetuate compulsive patterns.
If you’re struggling with binge eating, know that you’re not alone – and that healing is possible. Take the first step today by seeking out the resources and support that resonate with you.
Sarah and Stefanie are co-hosts of Life After Diets, a podcast focused on personal stories exploring the nuances of eating disorder recovery and body image issues. Stefanie is a Recovery Coach and Somatic-Therapist-in-training based in the US, while Sarah is a therapist specializing in binge eating recovery based in the UK.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- The difference between compulsive and impulsive eating
- The role of the nervous system in creating and healing binge eating
- The importance of self-compassion and support in recovery
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
Instagram – Stefanie and Sarah
390-Your Brain On Patriarchy
Your Brain on Patriarchy: How the Patriarchal Mindset Impacts Women’s Well-Being
As a woman, have you ever felt guilty for putting your needs first? Or perhaps you’ve struggled with speaking up and taking up space in professional settings? If so, you’re not alone. In this eye-opening episode of the Feminist Well-Being Podcast, I dive deep into the ways patriarchal beliefs shape our minds and impact our overall well-being.
Your Brain on Patriarchy: Unpacking the Socialization Process
Right from a young age, girls are socialized to embody the “good girl” archetype – to be polite, modest, and compliant. We’re taught to prioritize others’ needs over our own and avoid challenging the status quo. This socialization process, deeply rooted in patriarchal beliefs, shapes our neural pathways and conditions our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
The Emotional Toll of Patriarchal Conditioning
When we suppress our true selves to conform to societal expectations, it takes a heavy emotional toll. We might feel guilty for investing in ourselves, resentful for constantly putting others first, or anxious about speaking our minds. These unprocessed emotions can eventually manifest as mental health issues like depression or panic attacks.
Reclaiming Your Power: Rewiring Your Brain
The good news? Our brains have an incredible ability called neuroplasticity, which allows us to rewire our neural pathways and adopt new belief systems. Through practices like cognitive-behavioral coaching (also known as thought work), we can actively challenge and replace patriarchal beliefs with empowering ones.
For instance, instead of tying your worth to your body size or appearance, you can rewire your brain to believe that your body is a tool for experiencing life – nothing more, nothing less. This process takes time and conscious effort, but the rewards are invaluable: increased self-confidence, emotional resilience, and the freedom to show up as your authentic self.
Next Steps: Embarking on Your Rewiring Journey
If you’re ready to embark on your rewiring journey, I offer several resources to support you:
– The “Beyond Mindset” mentorship program teaches women the cognitive-behavioral coaching techniques for self-coaching.
– The “Undiet Your Life” yearlong program combines mindset work with intuitive eating and body neutrality principles.
– You can also hire a certified non-diet coach from my team for personalized guidance.
Visit the “Work With Me” page on my website to explore these offerings and start your transformation today.
My sisters, you have the power to break free from patriarchal conditioning and reshape your mindset. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and together, let’s create a world where women can thrive without apology.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode on Your brain on patriarchy:
- Understand the difference between patriarchy (a system of beliefs) and men
- Discover how the “good girl” socialization trains women’s brains to be people-pleasers.
- Gain insights into rewiring your brain to break free from patriarchal conditioning.
Mentioned in the show:
389-Aging Powerfully with Deb Benfield From Aging Body Liberation
As someone in my late 40s, the idea of “aging powerfully” has been on my mind lately. That’s why I was thrilled to have Deb Benfield, the force behind @agingbodyliberation, on the It’s Beyond The Food Podcast to share her wisdom.
Overcoming Internalized Ageism
From an early age, we internalize societal narratives that cast aging in an overwhelmingly negative light. Deb stressed that the first step to aging powerfully is recognizing and overcoming these internalized ageist beliefs that have been imposed on us. Unlearning the idea that getting older is something to fear or resist is crucial for inhabiting our changing bodies with confidence.
The First Step to Aging Powerfully
Deb drove home the point that we all have internalized ageism – preconceived notions about what aging looks and feels like based on the narratives we’ve absorbed since childhood. The first step to aging powerfully, she says, is recognizing that internal bias exists and working to unlearn those limiting beliefs.
Embracing Body Changes
As we age, our bodies naturally change. Deb emphasizes that staying comfortable in your body means accepting – not fighting – those transformations. Rather than treating your body as a “project” to control, see it as your partner through life’s journey.
Dismantling Diet Culture’s Role
One of the key themes Deb emphasized is the need to dismantle diet culture’s influence alongside the anti-aging industry’s agenda. These two forces are intrinsically linked, reinforcing the toxic notion that only thin, youthful bodies have value. Aging powerfully requires rejecting these harmful cultural narratives in favor of true body acceptance at every stage of life.
The Anti-Aging Industry’s Agenda
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation centered on the intersection of diet culture, anti-fat bias, and the anti-aging industry. Deb highlighted how these reinforce the notion that only certain bodies – young, thin, able-bodied – are worthy, fueling unnecessary fear and control around the aging process.
Focusing on True Values
For many, thinness becomes a way to try clinging to societal relevance and belonging as we age. But Deb argues this misses the point entirely. By middle age, our true values have often evolved beyond empty promises of the anti-aging machine. Aging powerfully means refocusing on what really lights you up in this new chapter.
The Path Forward
So how can we age powerfully? According to Deb, it begins with conscious choice – examining our motivations and making empowered decisions free of fear-based narratives. It’s about staying curious, building community, and above all, treating our changing bodies with deep compassion.
As I move into my “wisdom years,” this conversation was an inspiring reminder to let go of limiting beliefs, embrace the beauty of this journey, and show up powerfully at every age.
Deb invites you to blaze a liberating new path to a respectful, nurturing relationship with your aging body. She has helped hundreds of women heal their relationship with food, eating, and their bodies in her 35-year career as a Registered Dietitian and Registered Yoga Teacher specializing in preventing and treating disordered eating. Now in her 60s, she focuses her research, training, passion, clinical, and lived experience on the intersection of pro-aging and body liberation.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- How to recognize and unlearn the internalized ageism we’ve all been exposed to
- The importance of dismantling anti-fat bias alongside anti-aging culture
- Practical tips for staying comfortable in your changing body as you age
Mentioned in the show:
Health At Every Size Health Sheets
Connect with our Guest:
388-The #1 Mindset Holding You From Not Giving a F*ck About Your Body Looks
Do you constantly worry about how your body looks? Are you fed up with obsessing over your weight, criticizing your appearance in the mirror, and letting society’s beauty standards dictate your self-worth? It’s time for you to break free from this toxic cycle, and the key lies in a powerful mindset shift that I’m going to share with you today.
The Missing Link: Self-Awareness
The number one mindset holding you back from not giving a f*ck about how your body looks is a lack of self-awareness. You becoming truly self-aware – acknowledging and understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors – is the first step towards embracing your body unconditionally.
When you become aware of all parts of you, you realize that you have the power to change how you experience life, how you experience your body,
Socialized Thoughts Are Not Facts
The reason you constantly fixate on your physical appearance is that you’ve been conditioned to believe thoughts like, “As a woman, your purpose in life is to be beautiful,” or “The reason why you’re alone is because of what your body looks like.” I stress that these thoughts are not facts but rather socialized opinions ingrained in your mind by diet culture and patriarchal norms.
Mindset: The Thought Download Exercise
To cultivate self-awareness and challenge these limiting beliefs, I recommend a powerful exercise called a “thought download” to you. This simple yet profound practice involves you grabbing a pen and notebook and allowing your thoughts to flow freely onto the page, without judgment or censorship.
By externalizing your inner dialogue, you can begin to identify the specific thoughts that trigger feelings of shame, guilt, or frustration about your body. From there, you can consciously choose whether you want to continue entertaining those thoughts or replace them with more empowering narratives.
Mindset: Changing Thoughts to Change Reality
When you become aware of what you create, you automatically realize, ‘F*ck, I can change this,’ I assert to you. If you think differently, guess what? You’re going to feel differently, and over time, you’re going to have different behavior towards your body.
This mindset shift is not about you changing your physical appearance but about reshaping your relationship with your mind. By cultivating self-awareness, you can reclaim your power and stop allowing societal pressures to dictate your self-worth.
Mindset: The Transformative Journey Begins
So why not give it a try? Grab a notebook, find a cozy spot, and start downloading your thoughts about your body. You might be surprised at the liberating insights that emerge when you finally acknowledge the narratives playing on repeat in your mind.
The number one mindset shift you can do to not give a f*ck about your body. And really about anything as a woman in a patriarchal society, entrenched in diet culture and fatphobia, is to realize the power that you have to change your reality by changing the way you think.
You can embrace this empowering mindset and watch how your perspective on your body – and life – transforms.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode on mindset:
• How to cultivate self-awareness to stop obsessing about body image
• The thought download exercise to identify limiting beliefs
• The power of changing thoughts to change reality
Mentioned in the show:
387-When Body Positivity Doesn’t Work
When Body Positivity Doesn’t Work
Body positivity has become a popular movement in recent years, with the goal of helping people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. However, for many of us, the concept of “body positivity” has fallen short in achieving its intended purpose. In this podcast episode, Brianna and I dive deep into understanding why body positivity doesn’t always work. We explore what can be done instead.
Understanding Body Image
The first step in unpacking this issue is to define what body image truly means. Brianna explains that body image is not just about how we see ourselves in the mirror. Rather, it encompasses four key aspects: perception, affect, cognition, and behavior.
It’s important for me to recognize that body positivity has been co-opted and distorted from its original roots. It started as a social justice movement led by fat, Black, and queer women. The modern interpretation of body positivity has often been reduced to simply “loving the skin you’re in.” This fails to address the deeper, systemic issues at play.
The Limitations of Body Positivity
One of the main reasons why body positivity doesn’t work for me is that it fails to address the core issue: societal pressures and ingrained beliefs that equate our worth with physical appearance. We, as women, have been conditioned by these forces to believe our value comes from how we look. This constant pressure makes true self-acceptance a difficult feat.
Furthermore, the pursuit of body positivity can sometimes be driven by a desire for safety and conformity, not genuine self-acceptance. Brianna eloquently exposes how diet culture has rebranded itself under the guise of “health and wellness,” while still clinging to the harmful narrative that thinness equals worth.
Rebuilding Self-Esteem
If body positivity is not the solution, what is? We move beyond body positivity by emphasizing self-esteem work. Brianna and I champion rebuilding our sense of value and worth outside the limitations of our physical bodies. This requires us to unpack the ingrained beliefs and narratives, and consciously choose a more holistic and empowering definition of our worth.
Motivation also plays a key role in this journey. I differentiate between feeling obligated (“having to”) to do something driven by shame and fear, versus truly desiring (“wanting to”) to do something fueled by self-love and autonomy. This mindset shift is critical for creating lasting, sustainable change.
Embracing the Journey
Ultimately, the work of healing our relationship with our bodies is an ongoing process. As Brianna states, “as long as we have a body, we will have to continue to pull back the layers.” The key is to approach this journey with compassion, patience, and a willingness to explore the deeper emotional and psychological aspects of our self-image.
Brianna (Bri) Campos (she/her), LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor based in New Jersey. As a body image educator and the founder of Body Image With Bri, she’s passionate about all things body image and practices through the lenses of Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating. She specializes in body image education including her unique framework on body grief.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode:
- The true definition and origins of body positivity, and how it has been misinterpreted
- Why body positivity alone is not an effective solution for healing our relationship with our bodies
- The importance of rebuilding self-esteem and redefining our worth beyond physical appearance
- The difference between “having to” and “wanting to” when it comes to self-care and wellness
- The understanding that body image work is a lifelong journey, requiring ongoing self-exploration and growth
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
386-Feminist Well-Being
Moving Past the Narrow View of Health
In this episode of the It’s Beyond The Food podcast, I’m inviting you on a journey to rethink well-being. I want to show you how to achieve true happiness, purpose, and self-actualization as a woman in today’s world, going beyond the limited focus on physical health.
My Personal Transformation
My own story is a powerful example of this transformative approach. After 25 years trapped in the diet cycle, I discovered the freedom of intuitive eating. Yet, even as my physical health improved, I felt something was missing – a deeper sense of fulfillment. It was through working with a mindset coach that I uncovered the missing piece: an intersectional feminist lens.
Reframing Well-Being Through Feminism
By examining the systemic issues of patriarchy and diet culture, I reframed my understanding of well-being. I realized true fulfillment goes far beyond chasing physical perfection. “Feminist well-being is a movement,” I say. “It’s about giving women the freedom to live life on our own terms, free from oppressive societal expectations.”
Reclaiming Our Worth Beyond the Body
At the heart of my vision is the recognition that women are more than just physical bodies. I invite you to ponder the profound question, “Why do I have a body as a woman?” This challenges the notion that our worth is tied to appearance or conformity to unrealistic beauty standards.
Creating Holistic Well-Being
Through my podcast, I aim to create a space for women to explore the intersections of feminism, mental health, emotional well-being, and spiritual fulfillment. I acknowledge that access to well-being is shaped by systemic factors like socioeconomic status, race, and ability.
Joining the Feminist Well-Being Movement
As I embark on this new chapter, I invite you to join me in this collective movement. Rate and review the podcast, engage in critical self-reflection, and take action – both individually and collectively. Together, we can create a more equitable and empowering future for all women.
What You’ll learn listening to this episode:
- The limitations of traditional health-focused well-being
- How to reframe well-being through an intersectional feminist lens
- The importance of challenging societal expectations placed on women
- Ways to reclaim our worth beyond the physical body
- A holistic approach to well-being that goes beyond physical health
Mentioned in the show:
385-Oprah, Weight Loss Drugs and Post-Show Analysis with Dr. Natalie Gentile
Oprah, Weight Loss Drugs
Oprah Winfrey’s highly anticipated TV special on weight loss drugs sparked heated discussions around obesity, weight stigma, and promoting medication for cosmetic purposes. To provide a balanced, multi-disciplinary perspective, Stephanie sat down with Dr. Natalie Gentile, a weight-neutral physician, for an in-depth post-show analysis.
Dissecting the “Obesity Disease” Claim
One central claim was that obesity is a disease, repeated numerous times on the show. Dr. Gentile clarified that while the U.S. medically classifies obesity as a disease for insurance coverage of treatments, this view is not universally accepted. In Canada, for instance, obesity is not considered a disease by medical authorities, highlighting the varying expert perspectives on this complex issue.
The “Obesity Gene” Myth Debunked
Claims about an “obesity gene” were prominently featured. However, Dr. Gentile explained that while genetics likely influence body size, no specific “obesity gene” has been scientifically identified yet. Promoting this unsubstantiated idea could reinforce weight stigma and the notion that people in larger bodies are inherently diseased or flawed, Stephanie added.
Weight Loss Drugs: Benefits, Risks & Accessibility
The new GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy were touted as groundbreaking solutions. From a medical perspective, Dr. Gentile acknowledged their potential benefits for some patients but highlighted concerns around side effects, nutrition deficiencies, high costs, and challenges with long-term adherence – especially for vulnerable groups. Furthermore, Stephanie questioned whether promoting drugs as a solution addresses deeper issues around weight stigma.
The Role of Internalized Weight Stigma
A central theme was participants describing how the drugs “turned off the voice” of obsessive food thoughts. Dr. Gentile proposed this could reflect reduced internalized weight stigma after weight loss, rather than a direct biological effect. Stephanie agreed – attributing it to quieting internalized weight bias and associated disordered thoughts around food when societal pressures to be thin are temporarily alleviated through weight loss.
Childhood Interventions: A Balanced Approach
The show featured a teen who had bariatric surgery, sparking debate. Dr. Gentile emphasized the need for nuanced, case-by-case approaches with family support rather than broadly recommending invasive interventions. Meanwhile, Stephanie added that any intervention must address potential psychological impacts of weight stigma on children and families first.
Industry Influence or Public Service?
While Oprah elevated important public discussions, both experts expressed disappointment that the show seemed to favor framing weight loss drugs as an ideal solution, with limited representation of dissenting medical views. Moreover, they speculated that any conflicts of interest that may emerge could shed light on the true motivations behind the show’s narratives.
Conclusion
This multi-expert analysis reminds us to approach weight and health with nuance, scientific integrity, psychological mastery, and compassion. Overcoming systemic weight stigma through inner work and wider societal change is paramount to achieving holistic well-being for all, regardless of size.
Dr. Natalie Gentile (she/her) is a board-certified Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician who owns a direct primary care practice in Pittsburgh, PA. She strives to meet patients where they are and, with a personal history of disordered eating, is passionate about running a weight-neutral practice that is a safe space for any and all.
What you’ll learn listening to this episode on Oprah and Weight Loss Drugs:
- The truth behind claims that “obesity is a disease” and the “obesity gene” myth
- Potential benefits and risks of drugs like Ozempic from a medical perspective
- How internalized weight bias may drive the experience of drugs “turning off food obsession”
- Insights on the delicate balance of childhood weight loss interventions
Mentioned in the show:
Connect with our Guest:
Instagram – Dr. Natalie Gentile
Facebook – Dr. Natalie Gentile
Welcome!
I’m Stephanie Dodier
Feminist Nutritionist & Coach.
I guide women on how to feel damn good by reshaping their mind instead of their body. Let’s go beyond the food and fight diet culture & patriarchy by living powerfully. You’ll walk away with ressources to embrace your well-being & health in a way that will expand your freedom and power.
Is the problem you or your diet?
I asked myself this question for years…and I figure you likely have the same question so I create a assessment for you to figure it out. Take the quiz now.
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