Fat Positive... Everything

In this week’s episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry, a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified intuitive eating counselor, delves into a crucial discussion on fat liberation and disability inclusion with Angel Austin, the owner of Sacred Space for Fat Bodies. They explore topics such as regressions in the fat liberation movement, its intersections with disability, and the necessity of mutual aid. Both share their personal experiences, emphasizing individual and community efforts in creating inclusive spaces, addressing systemic oppression, and fostering collective healing. The conversation also touches on the importance of finding purpose, joy, and rest amidst advocacy and struggle.

00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Everything Podcast

00:32 Guest Introduction: Angel Austin

0:47 Intersectional Identities and Personal Introductions

02:18 Angel’s Journey and Sacred Space for Fat Bodies

03:23 Challenges and Pivots During COVID-19

05:05 Advocacy and Education Initiatives

05:57 Intersectionality in Fat Liberation

06:49 Regressions in Social Movements

10:34 The Role of Disability in Advocacy

20:54 Call to Action: Creating Inclusive Spaces

28:30 The Power of Small Contributions

29:43 Understanding Individualism and Healing

30:28 Building Community and Fighting Oppression

41:12 The Importance of Rest and Purpose

48:12 Navigating Personal Challenges

49:32 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

SSFFB Website

Angel Austin Instagram

SSFB Donations

Resources Mentioned!

Imani BarBarin

Sami Schalk- Black Disability Politics

What it Takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry introduces Michelle Sandoval, LMFT a therapist who specializes in nervous system regulation and trauma-informed care. The discussion explores the intersectionalities of body size, queerness, and autism, delving into how these aspects influence one’s nervous system and overall well-being.

Michelle shares her journey, from working in non-profit and school systems to focusing on private practice, where she serves neurodivergent clients. The conversation includes insights on the impacts of trauma, the importance of understanding nervous system states, and practical strategies for achieving regulation. They also touch upon the significant role of co-regulation and community support in healing. The episode emphasizes the systemic oppression that contributes to chronic dysregulation and highlights the necessity of addressing these issues within therapeutic practices.

00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Everything Podcast

00:33 Meet Michelle Sandoval: Therapist and Advocate

01:15 Intersectionalities and Personal Background

01:51 Journey into Trauma-Informed Care

02:59 Discovering Autism and Private Practice

04:48 Body Positivity and Diet Culture

08:56 Understanding Nervous System Regulation

17:39 Impact of Discrimination on the Nervous System

21:18 Understanding the Body’s Response to Stress

21:47 Personal Experience with Medical Anxiety

23:23 Nervous System Dysregulation and Chronic Illness

25:54 Mapping the Nervous System with Clients

29:23 Working with Autistic Clients on Nervous System Regulation

33:29 The Importance of Co-Regulation

35:12 Community and Healing

38:10 Resources and Training for Therapists

42:35 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Michelle Sandovals Instagram

Website

Dr. Christy Harrison

Deb Dana- Polyvagal Theory

Embracing Fat Liberation and Creative Joy: An Interview with Mermaid Ché Monique

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry, a licensed clinical professional counselor, welcomes Ché Monique, an African American, mid-to-large fat, professional mermaid. Ché shares her body journey, from childhood experiences with weight and body image to embracing her full self through activities like belly dancing, burlesque, and ultimately becoming a professional mermaid. The conversation delves into themes of fat liberation, intersectionality, finding joy in creative pursuits, and the challenges of monetizing a niche hobby like mermaiding. Ché Monique also offers advice on how to connect with the mermaid community and live authentically. The episode highlights the importance of representation and the liberating power of imagination.

00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Everything Podcast

00:30 Meet Our Guest: Ché Monique

02:07 Che Monique's Body Journey

10:01 Embracing the Mermaid Identity

21:19 Finding Your Mermaid Community

21:45 Living Unapologetically

23:01 A Day in the Life of a Fat Mermaid

23:52 Balancing Multiple Roles

29:02 Challenges of Monetizing Mermaiding

34:03 The Cost of Being a Mermaid

36:37 Embracing Joy and Authenticity

38:05 Where to Find Mermaid Cham Monique

40:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Che' Monique Instagram

Metro Mer Folk

Che' Monique Webiste

Society of Fat Mermaids

In this weeks episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, I FINALLY get to chat with the awe inspiring Nicola Salmon, a pioneering fat-positive fertility specialist. Together, we delve into the complexities of intersectionality and identity in healthcare, exploring how societal biases and personal experiences shape access to fertility care.

Nicola shares her journey from navigating PCOS and societal expectations to becoming an advocate for fat liberation and body positivity. Tune in to discover empowering strategies for advocating for oneself in a healthcare system often fraught with stigma and to learn how identity and intersectionality play crucial roles in the pursuit of fertility and health. #Intersectionality #Healthcare #FertilityAdvocate

Instagram

Nicola’s Website/ Book Info

Friendly reminder if you like the show and want to spread fat liberation, reviews and engagement get this stuff out to a wider audience!

Hey Friends, woah is life really fucking hard right now.

Honestly, at times I have felt conflicted about doing this work when daily people’s lives are at risk and we are all actively fighting fascism. BUT AND I try to remind myself that the intersections of fatness, race, gender, disability and fiscal access is incredibly important to the larger picture. Thus, this work through extension is important.

This isn’t to pat me on the back but just to gently remind all of us that it’s okay to take in information that supports you on your journey. Even when the world is on fire. Plus, the more fatties we free from tyranny the more we can fight the system!

With that being said, welcome to Season 2 of The Fat Positive Everything Podcast!!

Episode Summary: Join host Kayla Stansberry as she welcomes Alicia Schmitt, owner of Buxom Boudoir, to discuss the journey of body positivity and empowerment through boudoir photography. Alicia shares her personal experiences and insights on creating an inclusive and affirming space for all body types.

Key Topics:

The impact of societal beauty standards and diet culture.

The importance of representation and inclusivity in photography Tips for finding a body-positive boudoir photographer .

How to create a safe and empowering environment for clients.

Guest Information: Alicia Schmitt owns Buxom Boudoir, a full service, body affirming boudoir studio in Wisconsin. She spent a huge part of her life hating her body. Boudoir helped her heal. She wants the same for her community.She opened her self love boudoir studio in 2017 and moved to her downtown Port Washington WI studio in 2021. In those years, she's photographed hundreds of people, each one with their own story and struggle. And each one was ready to heal. Her studio advocates for diversity, making sessions at Buxom Boudoir a joyful experience for all shapes, sizes, races, sexualities and physical abilities.

Buxom Boudoir

Instagram

Tailored Jewelry

Call to Action: Visit Alicia's website to learn more about her work and explore the world of body-positive boudoir photography. Share this episode with friends who might benefit from its empowering message.

*GUYS!!!!!!! it’s the last episode of the season. I could cry. As most of you know I jumped into this with just a deep love for the fat community and learning. This process involved so much learning, humility and shooting my shot w/ idols. I just wanted to thank you guys for supporting me this season. The fat community means everything!

Don’t worry season 2 will be released in August. Have a wonderful summer! Im honored to be apart of this community!

FATTIES WITH FEELINGS

In the final episode of season one of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, I interview the adventurous Andrea (she,they), a passionate advocate for fat positivity and inclusivity in outdoor activities. We discuss Andrea's personal journey from striving for a smaller body to embracing their identity as an outdoors person. The conversation highlights the importance of representation, community support, and the barriers faced by fat individuals in outdoor spaces. Andrea shares her experiences leading inclusive hiking groups and adventure travel for plus-size individuals, emphasizing the need for safe and supportive environments. The episode concludes with a call to action for more representation and inclusivity in outdoor gear and advertising, encouraging listeners to embrace their bodies and enjoy the outdoors.

Guest BIO

Andrea DiMaio (she/they) is a fat, queer hiker, backpacker, traveler, cyclist, camper, yoga teacher, and speaker. Andrea teaches accessible yoga classes, leads inclusive hikes and other outdoor adventures in western New York with Ample Movement. In 2019 Andrea climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with the Curvy Kili Crew which led to being employed by adventure travel company, Whoa Travel and leading multiple trips for Whoa Plus.

Andrea offers accessible yoga classes in western NY and online. Andrea’s passion is for sharing joyful movement and community through outdoor activities and yoga, with an emphasis on making space for fat people who aren’t used to seeing themselves represented in those spaces.

Resources

* Website

* Instagram:@amplemovement

* Facebook

* TikTok

Jess Baker - Go and Tell Fat Girls

Jenny Bruce / Unlikely Hikers

Fat Girls Hiking

Women High On Adventure (WHOA)

Body Liberation Outdoor Club

Philly FatCon

Roz the Diva

Audio/Video editing by Suzy Hooker

TW: Eating Disorders and Weight

In our second to last episode of the season I sat down with the vibrant and energizing Dr. MC (Theresa Melito-Connors, PHD) She/Her to explore the the intersections of joyful movement, eating disorder recovery, and fat liberation. We reflect on our own personal journeys through diet culture, the impact of eating disorders on self-perception, and the importance of self-care and resilience in healing. Dr. MC shares her experiences in creating inclusive spaces for movement and the significance of community in fostering joy and acceptance in larger bodies. The conversation emphasizes advocacy for accessibility in healthcare and the need for a shift in societal perceptions of fatness and health.

Audio and Visual editing done by Suzy Hooker

Resources

Anna Sweeney - Boston ED therapist

Dance Break with Dr MC

Bigger Bodies Boston

Audre Lorde

FB group - If I Fits, I Sits

Dr MC SelfCare on IG/FB drmcselfcare.com

Dr MC's Self Care Cabaret podcast

http://Eating Disorder Larger Bodies

Summary

In the 33rd episode of Fat Positive Everything Podcast, I met Diana Dimmok (She/her) Founder of Accessibility 4 Every Body Consulting, about the importance of fat liberation and accessibility. We explore Diana's personal journey into fat liberation, the intersectionality of disability and body size, and the need for inclusive spaces. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, empathy, and understanding in creating accessible environments for all bodies. Diana shares practical tips for individuals and businesses to improve accessibility and highlights the significance of community support in the fat liberation movement.

Takeaways

Advocating for oneself can benefit the entire community.

Accessibility is essential for everyone, not just those with disabilities.

The stigma around body size can hinder self-advocacy.

Creating inclusive spaces requires intentionality and awareness.

Businesses must consider the needs of larger bodies in their design.

Empathy is crucial in understanding the challenges faced by marginalized bodies.

Self-worth is a key component of effective self-advocacy.

Community support can empower individuals in their advocacy efforts.

Accessibility should be viewed as a necessity, not a luxury.

Everyone will likely need accommodations at some point in their lives.

Resources

Linkedin

Link Tree

Instagram

Audio and Video edited by Suzy hooker

In this week’s episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, I got to hang out with one of my favorites, Leslie Jordan Garcia. Leslie is a multi-certified anti-diet and eating disorder recovery wellness practitioner and Certified Personal Trainer. She’s very impressive!

Together we explore Leslie's personal journey with body image, the impact of diet culture, and the importance of community in healing. We delve into the concepts of body grief, acceptance, and the need for education around body diversity. Leslie shares her professional work in community care and emphasizes the power of kindness and connection in fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.

Takeaways

Leslie emphasizes the importance of grieving the idealized body image to move towards acceptance.

The conversation highlights how diet culture perpetuates harmful health standards and societal expectations.

Leslie discusses the significance of community in the healing process and how it impacts future generations.

The need for education around body diversity and acceptance is crucial for breaking down societal norms.

Leslie's journey reflects the complexities of navigating personal growth and accountability in a society that often stigmatizes body size.

The importance of empowering individuals through movement and nourishment is a key theme in Leslie's work.

The ripple effect of kindness and connection can significantly impact community well-being and individual healing.

Leslie's professional work focuses on body grief and helping individuals reconnect with their bodies.

The conversation underscores the idea that humans are worth the investment in their health and well-being.

The episode concludes with reflections on the collective power of individuals working together for change.

Resources:

Instagram

Liberarti Wellness (Her main page)

This week we are spending time with the impressive Kenyetta Harris, a physician assistant, co-founder of the Philly Fat Con AND founder of The Curvy Experience. We explore Kenyetta's professional background in mental health, her journey as a plus-size individual, and the importance of community and movement in healing. Kenyetta’s relationship w/ pole dancing inspired her to create inclusive movement spaces that encourage empowerment and connection for plus-size individuals. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusive spaces in fitness and the significance of representation for all body types.

Plus Pole MD

The Curvy Experience

Fat Baby Philly

Philly Fat Con

Guest Info!

Kenyetta Harris is a Pennsylvania native whose work has been surrounded in promoting wellness, transformation, and sensual confidence for plus size women. She is the Founder of The Curvy Experience, a Philadelphia based community space offering movement and non-movement-based classes for plus size bodies. It is in this space Kenyetta brings her 5 years of Experience as a pole fitness instructor where she hosts a 5-week pole course teaching her students the art of pole, body confidence, and self-acceptance. Kenyetta is also the co-founder of Philly FatCon, Philly’s first convention for fat people, by fat people. Philly FatCon was founded in 2023 with the mission to uplift the fat community and to promote fat joy. The convention features a jammed packed weekend filled with keynote speakers, panel discussions, movement classes, a costume party, and a clothing swap. Kenyetta is also a member of the Philadelphia burlesque community, as she is a graduate of the Philadelphia Burlesque Academy and has performed in countless shows throughout the city.

Professionally, Kenyetta is a board-certified Physician Assistant and practices Psychiatry in Philadelphia. Throughout her 9 years in practice, she has treated patients with an array of mental health conditions and has helped lead her patients to a life of stability and wholeness. She has also served her community as a board member of The Nava Center from 2022-2023, a non-profit organization that provides low-cost therapy to trauma

Kenyetta

Audio/Video Editing done by Suzy Hooker