Body Kindness

I'm joined by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti editors of a new anthology Believe Me: How Trusting Women Can Change the World. We discuss why we need a book about believing women’s experiences are as credible and reliable as men. Believing women starts with believing ourselves and caring for our personal well-being. Samantha Irby contributes an essay about her chronic illness which you can read on Elle.  Anuradha Bhagwati, author of the memoir Unbecoming, writes about the disbelief of her disability from countless others. Soraya Chemaly, author of Rage Becomes Her, writes about the lack of C-level women in technology jobs and how it leaves us more vulnerable to online harassment. --- About JaclynJaclyn Friedman is an educator, activist, and the force behind four hit books: Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape (one of Publishers’ Weekly’s Top 100 Books of 2009), What You Really Really Want: The Smart Girl’s Shame-Free Guide to Sex & Safety, Unscrewed: Women, Sex, Pow

A significant part of the body kindness practice is held in our relationships, especially parents and caregivers to children. As adults we understand there were ways in which our childhood needs were not met and with a deep desire to to better, we don’t want to mess it up. But we inevitably do and it’s OK. Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, New York Times Bestselling author of several books including her latest The Power of Showing Up, is here to help me as I get candid about my own difficulties to improve how I parent and care for myself. Tune in for her wisdom and to find out how the 4 S’s can help you “show up” for kids' well-being. --- About TinaDr. Tina Payne Bryson is the co-author (with Dan Siegel) of two New York Times Best Sellers—The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline—each of which has been translated into dozens of languages, as well as The Yes Brain and two upcoming titles, The Power of Showing Up and Bottom Line for Baby. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Connection, a  multi

Author Peggy Orenstein is back on the show with her instant New York Times Bestseller, Boys and Sex. Tune in to hear insights from her conversations with over 100 boys from high school to college across the U.S. We discuss why parents aren’t talking to their boys about sex and intimacy even though they really want the space to explore, to be vulnerable, and to figure it out, not just absorb the cultural narrative about masculinity that was created for them. We chat about how this conversation gap, especially between boys and dads, can harm today’s boys and girls in the context of consent, hookup culture, and forming intimate relationships with partners. Don’t miss Peggy’s first appearance on Body Kindness when we discussed Girls and Sex in a conversation about intimate justice - Episode 31: Intimate Justice with Bestselling Author Peggy Orenstein, Girls and Sex. --- About PeggyPeggy Orenstein is the New York Times bestselling author of Girls & Sex, Cinderella Ate My Daughter, Waiting for Daisy, Flux, and

Movement gives us access to the best of ourselves and it has nothing to do with weight or abilities regardless of what the “fitness culture” says, it’s science! Stanford Professor Kelly McGonigal PhD and author of The Joy of Movement is my guest and she has insight to help you reclaim movement. --- About KellyKelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University who specializes in understanding the mind-body connection. As a pioneer in the field of "science-help," her mission is to translate insights from psychology and neuroscience into practical strategies that support personal well-being and strengthen communities. She is the best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct and The Upside of Stress. Through the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism, she helped create Stanford Compassion Cultivation Training, a program now taught around the world that helps individuals strengthen their empathy, compassion, and self-compassion. You might know her from her TED talk, "How to Make Stre

As more people become aware of words like “body positivity” and “anti-diet” it opens the door for confusion — what does it actually mean and is it really good for health? What makes something a “diet? Christy Harrison’s book Anti-Diet lays out the historical context of dieting and weight stigma, seeking to explain why not dieting at all is actually better for your health. We discuss why healthcare providers must examine how we oppress people operating in a weight normative model of care and how we can create a better, healthier world when we commit to anti-oppression. About ChristyChristy Harrison, MPH, RD, CDN is an anti-diet registered dietitian nutritionist and certified intuitive eating counselor based in New York City. She offers online courses and private intuitive eating coaching to help people all over the world make peace with food and their bodies. Since 2013 Christy has hosted Food Psych, a weekly podcast exploring people’s relationships with food and paths to body liberation. It is now one of iTun

Bernie and I are back with another special episode of Learn and Grow where we answer questions from people who are reading and listening to Body Kindness. In this episode, Bernie Salazar and I respond to three listener questions. Sara says she feels detached from her body as a result of trauma from pregnancy and birth. She wonders where to start with Body Kindness. Melissa, a high school teacher, asks how she can help the vulnerable high school girls with more Body Kindness. Finally, therapist Marina asks about support for her intuitive eating journey. We answer these questions and would love to answer yours too - BodyKindnessBook.com/question --- Join me to “fund the future” of dietetics I am on the advisory council for a much needed organization, Diversify Dietetics, a non-profit committed to increasing diversity in the field of nutrition. Less than 10% of nutrition and dietetics professionals identify as people of color and our communities need more dietitians from different races and ethnicities so they c

Bernie and I are back with another special episode of Learn and Grow where we answer questions from people who are reading and listening to Body Kindness. In this episode, Bernie Salazar and I respond to two listener questions. Paula says she hates to exercise and though she wants to get moving, she feels “stuck” because her most enjoyable activities are performed in a chair or cozy sofa. We help her think through options without judgment or shame. Then, podcast listener Lytisha works in food justice and is noticing how her co-workers may be unintentionally shaming how she and others eat as the work is focused on increasing access to fresh, wholesome foods. We help her prepare to address the healthism and food shame she sees happening with compassion and kindness. Have a question for us? Let us know here! BodyKindnessBook.com/question --- Join me to “fund the future” of dietetics I am on the advisory council for a much needed organization, Diversify Dietetics, a non-profit committed to increasing diversity in

What if instead of trying to change negative thoughts, judgments, and feelings that come up when practicing Body Kindness, you learned to change how you relate to those thoughts and feelings instead? That's exactly what we're discussing in this week's podcast with Steven C. Hayes, the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and author of A Liberated Mind. You'll learn all about ACT and how it influenced the Body Kindness philosophy, as well as specific tools and skills you can use to pivot toward a better life and a better well-being by changing how you relate to your mind rather than getting deflated by your self-criticisms and judgments. I tried these skills in real-time during our chat, and I hope you'll join me in trying them yourself. About Steven Steven C. Hayes is Nevada Foundation Professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 45 books and over 625 scientific articles. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, and has guided its extension to Accept

Bernie and I tackle a listener question on intermittent fasting - is it a diet in disguise and why is it so dang popular? Hoda and Jenna began an IF challenge on TODAY show recently.  Tune in to hear Bernie break his silence about what drove him to step out of the public and “hide” after The Biggest Loser (spoiler: it’s related to fasting). Plus readers shared their negative experiences with trying IF so you definitely don’t have to. Links mentioned Jenna and Hoda weigh themselves before trying intermittent fasting Podcast 103: Diet and the Disease of Civilization with Dr. Adrienne Rose Bitar Podcast 100: Diet Culture Exists Because We Don’t Want to Die with Michelle Allison the Fat Nutritionist Other Resources Nourishing Women podcast: Ep. 75: REPOST- Intermittent Fasting with a History of Disordered Eating The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting: Are The Claims True? Join me to “fund the future” of dietetics I am on the advisory council for a much needed organization, Diversify Dietetics, a non-profit c

As we enter November, Bernie and I have gratitude on our minds. It’s been 3 years since Bernie and I reconnected, and he began practicing Body Kindness. In this special episode, we reflect on the positive changes in his life and self compassion practice over time. We asked listeners to take a pause and share with us “what are you grateful for, big or small”. We also share our original conversation from 2016 where we talk about why gratitude matters to Body Kindness, and how a gratitude practice can be an important key to unlocking your “inner caregiver” voice and lead to more joy throughout the holiday season, even if you’re thinking about past holidays filled with “rules” “judgments” and emotional pain and wondering what “body kindness” looks like for you this year. We feel you. We hope this episode inspires you for finding gratitude in whatever comes to your mind. Maybe it’s a person in your life, a meaningful life event, acknowledging what is good through injury or disability, or something else that rings

Created in 1995, Intuitive Eating has exploded in cultural awareness in recent years. In this episode, I sat down with co-creators Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch to talk about intuitive eating’s origins, the evolution toward weight inclusive wellness and why they reworked the material for the newest edition (to be released June 2020) as anti-diet. Plus I read letters from four fellow dietitians at various stages of their careers to share the impact it has made on them personally and professionally. Body Kindness 100% embraces Intuitive Eating as the way to work with your body and heal your relationship with food. (It’s what saved me at my diet “rock bottom”. Research backs this up too with over 100 studies involving intuitive eating that have shown to help people psychologically and physically support their bodies and well-being. Visit bodykindnessbook.com/podcast for links and show notes. Links mentioned Intuitive Eating book Intuitive Eating workbook The Intuitive Eating Workbook For Teens A big thank you

Actress and comedian Lisa Linke (Bless the Mess on ABC) joins me to talk about the intersections of diet culture and entertainment. We discuss how social media continues to help her on her relationship with her body. Plus she dishes on her podcast Go Help Yourself and a free way you can coax her into doing (legit) silly stuff on Instagram. Visit bodykindnessbook.com/podcast for links and show notes. About Lisa A native of Champaign Illinois, Lisa Linke is a multi-talented actress, writer, improviser and podcast host. She has numerous TV credits under her belt including a recurring role on TV Land’s Teachers and guest roles on Shameless, Black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, This Is Us and Modern Family to name just a few. She can be seen in a recurring role in ABC’s Bless This Mess and a guest role on Netflix’s AJ and the Queen. She wrote, produced and starred in Dog Moms, a parody web series based on Dance Moms. Linke also hosts #SuggestionSundayShow every Sunday at 12:30 PM PST, an Instagram Live show where she improv

As a mom I wonder daily how I’m doing at helping my kids make sense of the world and that includes their bodies, other people’s bodies, and how we all treat each other. Angie Manfredi has collected a powerful book of essays, art, and poems from adults speaking directly to teens who may feel like they don’t belong because they believe “my body is a problem”. The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat and Fierce reads like empowering “love letters” from the contributors to their younger life versions.... the book they wish they had when they needed it. In this interview we discuss reasons why many fat activists want to liberate the word fat as a descriptor and why that is hard for many people to do. (Hint: cultural rules and norms!) Tune in for Angie’s amazing answers to this question and more. Plus I read two excerpts as a teaser for you. This book helped me as an adult. Even though it targets teens, anyone who is interested will learn something meaningful from this book. About Angie Angie Manfredi is a libr

Bernie and I are back with a special episode of Learn and Grow where we answer questions from people who are reading and listening to Body Kindness. We answer listener questions about leaving behind the rules of dieting for practicing body kindness, how to help empower our kids with awareness and compassion, plus we help a listener whose "healthy eating" still feels like restriction. Links mentioned Episode 45: Is this a diet too? Why “healthy eating” is so confusing for non-dieters, with HAES dietitian Glenys Oyston Episode 109: Under Pressure – How Anxiety Shows Up for Today’s Teen Girls and How Parents Can Help with Lisa Damour, PhD Episode 96: Why Dieting Doesn’t Usually Work with Neuroscientist Sandra Aamodt, PhD Applications are open for Learn & Grow Calling all helping pros! Applications are open for Learn & Grow, my ten-month mentor program for people who help people create a better life, improve health, and well-being. If you would like me to talk to you 1/1 about anything you’re struggling w

Feel like your time isn’t your own? Author and mom of four Laura Vanderkam has an answer. Track your time. Laura believes that the awareness that comes with time use tracking helps you find the correct narratives about your life rather than defeatist narratives you may have. For example, the fears “if I work full time I’ll never see my family” or self care “I’m tired so I never get enough sleep.” In Body Kindness we know that our thoughts can get the best of our emotional well being and lead to downward spirals. Laura wants you to see that these thoughts aren’t necessarily true or helpful. You can adopt a “good enough” viewpoint with time use and allow the information to help you change how you spend your time where it really matters to your values. In this episode we discuss the intersections of mindfulness and time use. How you can tend to your time like you would tend to a garden and capture a sense of agency over controllable aspects of your time rather than time passing without even noticing where it goe

In this two-part episode, fellow anti-diet mom Virginia Sole-Smith and I discuss the ways in which culture sabotages parents, especially moms, by upholding unhelpful beliefs about food and weight. Tune in where we discuss how to handle unwelcome comments about our kids’ bodies or food choices, what to do when they say “fat,” and how to model body positivity. Plus I share some of my best tips for parents in setting boundaries with love and kindness. You’ll also hear me talk about the “back off” Lunch Box card by The Feeding Doctor, Katja Rowell, MD and I share my experiences with my kids eating at school. Links mentioned The Feeding Doctor’s Lunch Box “Back Off” note Leslie Schilling’s completed “back off” card on Facebook and available in Born to Eat book. Here’s a few of Virginia’s recent articles on higher weight fertility, higher weight eating disorders, and the Kurbo weight loss app for kids: New York Times Magazine: When You’re Told You’re Too Fat to Get Pregnant Elemental: Who’s Considered Thin Enou

In the wake of Episode 125 reacting to WW's Kurbo app, people are asking, "So what do I do then?". That's what I want to help with today. No matter if you're a parent or you have a job or community service that interacts with kids, we can all advocate for the well-being of all kids and we use our voices to stop the harm and speak out against making weight loss the goal for growing kids. I share the practical steps I recommend for approaching kids' health, including: Centre the wellbeing of the child and affirm their goodness and worthiness exactly as they are, no matter what. Sleep patterns Enjoyable movement Leisure, hobbies and fun time (without screens) Food - taking a family approach without policing foods Limit screen time I also share an excerpt from my 2017 interview with my friend and fellow author Leslie Schilling. You may know her best as the creator of the Born To Eat® approach and co-author of the award-winning book, Born To Eat. For context our kids were 3 and 4 at the time, and even then we de

In this episode, parents speak out about why they would not use Kurbo Weight Watchers App to help their kids lose weight or or build “healthy lifestyles”. Tune in to hear their heart wrenching stories of their own struggles with body shame and diets. Plus you’ll hear me share what I found deeply concerning about the Kurbo when I used it for just a few days— and perhaps most important, I’ll share inspiring insights for what you can do if you are a parent concerned about your kids health and weight.  Links mentioned Please sign the petition: WW, Remove Children's Weight Loss App Before Countless Eating Disorders Occur Why Critics Think a Weight Watchers App for Kids is Totally Wrong - Sally Kuzemchak, Parents A New Weight Watchers App for Kids Raises Concerns - Virginia Sole-Smith, New York Times Weight Watchers Is Harming Kids For Money - Ragen Chastain, Dances With Fat NEDA Statement On Kurbo By WW App - National Eating Disorders Association Weight Watchers made a 'healthy eating' app for kids. Experts sa

Dieting is unethical. But how do you approach eating if you never want to diet again? By now you probably heard of intuitive eating, but do you see yourself eating intuitively and feeling happier about your relationship to food? The co-creator of Intuitive Eating, Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD wants people to understand what intuitive eating is and is NOT. One big NOT… intuitive eating is not a diet or weight loss plan (though it has been co-opted as such “lose weight with intuitive eating!” (NOPE! Run far and fast from that if you see it advertised.) On this podcast, we chat about how we use intuitive eating as a model for being the expert on your body when it comes to nourishment. We swap client stories of struggles and how we have helped them overcome their challenges. We dig into the research a bit to show the positive, life-enhancing benefits of ditching diets for intuitive eating. We also touch on diet culture and body oppression, especially of fat bodies that get “concern trolled” so often by society…. “Oh, y

I’m replaying a fan favorite episode of Body Kindness, with New York Times bestselling author Peggy Orenstein. [Adult content & language] How do we teach our daughters to respect their bodies, while still being curious about their sexuality? What do you say to a 2 or 3 year old in the bath? Would you tell a 10-year-old what the clitoris is for? If you’re squirming in your chair, so am I, but this is important issue if we really want our kids to normalize sex. Body liberation and sexual liberation go hand in hand. Find out why Peggy Orenstein, bestselling author of Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape and Cinderella Ate My Daughter, thinks we all gotta start doing a whole lot more talking to our kids and teens about what’s normal with our bodies and in sex for everyone’s health and well-being. --- About Peggy Peggy Orenstein is the author of The New York Times best-sellers Girls & Sex, Cinderella Ate My Daughter and Waiting for Daisy as well as Flux: Women on Sex, Work, Kids, Love