It’s my birthday! Well yesterday was my birthday and National Autism Awareness Day. I can’t help but chuckle knowing this whole time I could have looked at a calendar and gotten a hint at what 35 year old me would be dealing with! Hindsight is 20/20.

Earlier this year I had the idea of recording an episode that discussed my journey through intersectionality, mental health and how being a parent has altered my advocacy efforts. And what could be a better time than my Birthday?

I hope you enjoy and understand why I am so passionate about what I do! Just know I love the community I have been able to create with you all!

Thank you for being here!

SHOW NOTES!

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry, LCPC (She/Her) shares her personal journey through various intersectional identities, including her experiences with privilege, body image, mental health, and parenting. As she reflects on her life, Kayla discusses the complexities of navigating her identity as a white, fat, autistic woman, and a parent to neurodivergent children. She emphasizes the importance of processing personal trauma, understanding privilege, and advocating for acceptance and support within the community.

A/V Editing by Suzy Hooker

In this weeks episode I get to interview the cosmically wonderful Erica Joy (she/they), co-creator of Cosmic Healing, a community and social justice centered astrology healing space! Join us as we explore the intersections of astrology, tarot, body positivity, and fat liberation.

Further exploring how perceptions of astrology and tarot can be reductive, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. Erica Joy highlights the need for safe spaces to navigate personal experiences with fatness and the role of cosmic healing in community building. Wrapping up our conversation with a deep dive into the significance of astrology as a tool for understanding oneself and challenging internalized fat phobia, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach to body positivity and healing.

Make sure you support their work!

If you enjoyed the podcast please share and review!

Resources

Cosmic Healing Website

Instagram

Audio/ Video Editing by Suzy Hooker

In this weeks episode, I got to interview the joyful Amanda Martinez Beck. Amanda Martinez Beck is a fat activist, educator and Author of The Fat Dispatch. Together we explore the intersections of fat liberation, intuitive eating, and the impact of diet culture on personal identity and community. Discussing our own journeys into fat activism, the importance of embracing fat joy, and the need for curiosity over judgment in understanding body image. Amanda shares insights from her books and her upcoming work that critiques diet culture as a form of religion, emphasizing the need for dignity and self-determination in the face of societal pressures.

Takeaways

Intersectional identities shape our experiences in fat liberation.

Intuitive eating can help dismantle harmful food beliefs.

Fatness should be embraced as morally neutral.

Community support is vital for fat joy and liberation.

Diet culture parallels religious structures in its control.

Curiosity about our bodies can lead to greater acceptance.

Gluttony should be redefined to focus on neighbor care.

Fat joy is a form of political resistance.

Living with dignity is essential for self-determination.

Activism requires moments of joy to sustain efforts.

Resources:

Rene Girard - French anthropologist

More Of You: Fat Girls Field Guide to the Modern World

Richard Rohr, priest

Substack

Instagram

**Audio Editing by the Wonderful Suzy Hooker

In episode 28 of the podcast Kayla Stansberry (she/her) interviews Eli (he/him), the gender doula, exploring the intersections of gender identity, fatness, and autism. We discuss Eli's journey to becoming a gender doula, the complexities of navigating gender dysphoria, and the impact of societal expectations on body image. The conversation highlights the importance of self-exploration and the need for supportive guidance during transitions in identity. Eli shares insights on how to approach gender expression and the significance of understanding the nuances of personal experiences in relation to societal norms.

Takeaways

Eli identifies as a gender doula, supporting individuals through gender exploration and transition.

The journey to understanding one's gender identity can be complex and intertwined with other identities, such as fatness and autism.

Personal experiences of body image and gender dysphoria can differ significantly from societal perceptions.

The pandemic prompted many individuals to explore their gender identity more freely due to reduced societal pressures.

Fatness can complicate the experience of gender identity, affecting how individuals are perceived and how they express themselves.

There is a need for more gender doulas to support individuals navigating their gender journeys.

Understanding the difference between body image issues and gender dysphoria is crucial for personal clarity.

Self-exploration and permission to experiment with gender expression are vital for individuals in larger bodies.

The societal stigma surrounding fatness and transness can create additional challenges for individuals exploring their identities.

Creating a supportive environment for discussions about gender and body image can help individuals navigate their experiences more effectively.

Gender Doula Resources

In this week’s episode Kayla interviews the wonderful Emily Lake Hansen (She/Her) who is a writer, educator and advocate for fat inclusivity. During our conversation we explore the intersections of fatness, disability, and education. Chatting about our personal experiences with body image, the importance of vulnerability in teaching, and the impact of media on societal perceptions of fatness. We really emphasize the need for community, representation, and challenging societal norms, while also providing insights into the journey of a writer in a fat body. This episode highlights the role of social media in fostering body positivity and the importance of creating safe spaces for discussion.

Takeaways

Teaching is a passion that can stem from personal experiences.

Unlearning societal norms about body image is a long process.

Fatness cannot be discussed without acknowledging systemic issues like racism.

Community is essential for fat individuals to share experiences and support each other.

Media representation significantly impacts body image perceptions.

Vulnerability in education fosters deeper connections and understanding.

Children's perceptions of bodies can be shaped positively through open conversations.

The journey of a writer in a fat body involves confronting societal biases.

Social media can be a double-edged sword in terms of body image.

Creating safe spaces for discussions about body image is crucial for healing.

***Sorry for audio issues this episode!

There There by Tommy Orange

Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings

You Have the Right to Remain Fat by Virgie Tovar

Michele Wolf comedian

Fat Studies Journal

emilylakehansen.com

fatatllan.com

Summary

This conversation explores the intersection of fat liberation, neurodiversity, and the journey towards self-acceptance. The speakers discuss their personal experiences with chronic illness, the importance of community, and the role of joy in navigating societal pressures. They emphasize the need for systemic change and the power of shared experiences in healing. The discussion also touches on the significance of tarot as a tool for self-discovery and the importance of creating safe spaces for fat joy.

Takeaways

The journey of self-acceptance is ongoing and complex.

Tarot can serve as a powerful tool for personal exploration.

Community support is essential for healing from fat trauma.

Setting boundaries is crucial for personal liberation.

Joy does not need to be earned; it is inherent to our being.

Understanding neurodiversity can enhance self-acceptance.

Fat liberation is intertwined with systemic change.

Creating safe spaces allows for authentic sharing and growth.

Unlearning societal norms is a vital part of the journey.

We can aspire to be fat elders, guiding future generations.

Sophia! All the links!

SHOW NOTES &. Links

Fat tarot deck

Tarot for Change book

Fat Joy pod

Virgie Tovar

Jess Baker

The Body Is Not An Apology

Summary

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry speaks with Roz the Diva Mays about her journey towards fat liberation, the challenges of gym intimidation, and the importance of representation in fitness. Roz shares her experiences with body image, the significance of finding joy in movement, and how to overcome barriers to physical activity. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity in fitness spaces and the power of community support in fostering a positive relationship with our bodies.

Takeaways

Roz shares her ongoing journey with body comfort and fat phobia.

Gym intimidation can stem from both external and internal factors.

Movement is not just about aesthetics; it can be fun and healing.

Representation in fitness is crucial for body positivity.

Everyone deserves the benefits of an active lifestyle, regardless of size.

It's important to challenge the notion that only thin bodies can be athletes.

Community support is vital in overcoming gym intimidation.

Failure is a natural part of the learning process in fitness.

Diversifying social media feeds can help combat gym intimidation.

Finding joy in movement can transform one's relationship with their body.

Enell - sports bras

Superfit Hero - athletic clothes

Rozthediva.com

Patreon.com/rozthediva

https://www.instagram.com/rozthediva/

Show Notes!

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jon Higgins and Kayla Stansberry, LCPC explore the themes of fat liberation, identity, and the societal pressures surrounding body image. They discuss the impact of media on self-perception, the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, and the importance of finding joy in one's body. Dr. Higgins shares insights from their upcoming book, 'Black Fat Femme,' which aims to empower marginalized voices and challenge the narratives surrounding fatness and queerness. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity, self-love, and the importance of community support in the journey towards body positivity.

If you are a fan of the podcast please leave me a review! It’s free and really helps others find my work! Love ya!

PRE ORDER Black. Fat. Femme

Black Fat Femme Podcast

Dr. Jon Paul Instagram

In this conversation, Kayla and Lindley explore the themes of fat liberation, body image, and the complexities of activism within the community. They discuss Lindley's personal journey, the cultural influences on body image, and the challenges faced by larger bodies in the activism space. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, mentorship, and the impact of privilege in navigating these issues. They also touch on the pressures of public perception and the dangers of weight loss narratives, ultimately highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and support within the community.

Takeaways

The fat liberation community is supportive and collaborative.

Lindley's journey in body image has been relatively easy due to limited exposure to negative media.

Cultural influences play a significant role in shaping body image perceptions.

Activism in photography requires addressing deeper societal issues.

Community dynamics can be complex, requiring accountability and support.

Mentorship is crucial for new activists navigating their journeys.

Online activism presents unique challenges, including public scrutiny.

Barriers exist in platforming larger bodies due to stigma and bias.

Privilege allows some activists to continue their work despite financial challenges.

Community support is essential for sustaining activism and addressing internalized biases.

Resources:

Fearing the Black Body - Sabrina Strings

Marilyn Wann

Lindley's Body Liberation Guide

Dr. Alan Levinowitz (but the first vid that pops up for him is his appearance of Joe Rogan, so beware?

Anne Friedman's matrix

https://bodyliberationphotos.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bodyliberationwithlindley/?hl=en

* In this recording the term sense of justice and autism is used frequently. At the time of recording neither of us had the nuanced language to note that while some autistic people easily understand intersectionality, this concept of sense of justice does not exclude white autistics from racism. That this skill is better described as rigid understanding of rules and pattern recognition. Both are vulnerable to social manipulation. No one is above being racist. :)

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry speaks with Karis Stiles, a licensed social worker and therapist, about her experiences with fat liberation and pregnancy. They discuss the challenges faced by fat individuals in medical settings, the emotional complexities of pregnancy, and the importance of community support. Karis shares her journey through reciprocal IVF, navigating medical fat phobia, and the need for self-advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of acceptance, understanding, and the resources available for those in larger bodies during pregnancy.

Takeaways

Fat liberation therapy focuses on self-acceptance and healing from fat trauma.

Medical fat phobia can create significant barriers for pregnant individuals in larger bodies.

Community support is crucial for navigating pregnancy in a fat body.

Pregnancy can feel like a loss of autonomy over one's body.

It's important to advocate for oneself in medical settings.

Resources for fat individuals during pregnancy are becoming more available.

Emotional health is a vital aspect of the pregnancy experience.

Grief over societal expectations can be a part of the journey.

Self-compassion is essential during the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy.

The conversation around fat bodies and pregnancy is evolving and needs to continue.

Links!

https://www.instagram.com/fat_therapy_page/

https://asdah.org/haes-listing/charis-stiles-lcsw/

https://linktr.ee/stilestherapycenter?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZEL418e-r_FJZ0VQw0PUbleOubRruOv8w_BRaksdJDK4EjbUKqeAYZQis_aem_GbwLDNpLaDO52E_hSar_tw