Fat Positive... Everything

In this weeks episode, Cheyenne M. Davis comes back for a part 2 of fatness and media representation. We delve into the representation of fat individuals in media, particularly focusing on the intersections of fatness and Blackness. They discuss the lack of complex narratives surrounding fat people, the impact of media portrayals on societal perceptions, and the need for authentic representation that goes beyond stereotypes. The conversation also touches on the co-opting of body positivity movements and the consequences of fatphobia in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of community and the diverse experiences of fat individuals. In this conversation, Kayla Stansberry and Cheyenne M. Davis explore the intricate relationship between media representation, body image, and societal expectations. They discuss how media influences cultural shifts, particularly regarding body positivity and weight loss trends, and the importance of media literacy in understanding these narratives. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic fat narratives and the impact of mental health on body image perceptions.

Resources:

Sabrina Strings Fearing The Black Body

bell hooks Eating The Other

Da'Shaun Harrison Belly of the Beast

Cheyenne's Substack/Venmo/CashApp/Google resources

Cheyenne's Links

Summary

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry engages in a deep conversation with the wonderful Cheyenne, a Black, fat, queer, non-binary individual. They explore themes of fat liberation, intersectionality, and the impact of media representation on marginalized identities. Cheyenne shares their personal journey, including experiences with grief and mental health, and discusses the complexities of desirability politics, fetishism, and the importance of white accountability in dismantling systemic oppression. The conversation emphasizes the need for radical change in media narratives and the significance of understanding one's privilege in the fight for social justice.

Takeaways

Cheyenne identifies as a black, fat, queer, non-binary individual.

Grief and loss significantly impacted Cheyenne's mental health journey.

Media representation plays a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions of marginalized identities.

Desirability politics dictate worth based on attributes and identities.

Fatness is often intertwined with anti-blackness in societal narratives.

Fetishism is rooted in objectification and a lack of humanity.

White accountability is essential in dismantling systemic racism.

Privilege is built on generational advantages and systemic oppression.

Body positivity movements often exclude the most marginalized bodies.

Engaging in uncomfortable conversations is necessary for growth and understanding.

Resources:

Sabrina Strings Fearing The Black Body

bell hooks Eating The Other

Da'Shaun Harrison Belly of the Beast

Cheyenne's Substack/Venmo/CashApp/Google resources

Cheyenne's Links

I know I am a bit late but super pumped for this new episode. I wanted to do a gentle nutrition episode to kick of the New Year. Hopefully to help drown out all that diet noise! Please enjoy!

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry interviews Ashantis Jones and Eleni from Body Kind Nutrition. They discuss their intersectional identities, the importance of gentle nutrition, and the need for a supportive community in wellness. The conversation touches on childhood experiences with body image, the political aspects of food access, and the challenges of navigating nutrition in a diet-centric world. They also introduce their membership plans aimed at providing affordable and safe nutrition guidance, emphasizing a shame-free approach to eating.

* Body Kind Nutrition focuses on intersectional wellness education.

* Gentle nutrition is essential for those recovering from eating disorders.

* Community support is crucial for navigating wellness.

* Food politics significantly impact access to nutrition.

* Shame around eating can hinder healthy relationships with food.

* Membership plans offer various levels of support and education.

* The program is designed to be accessible for all body sizes.

* Recipes are created with inclusivity and ease in mind.

* Nutrition guidance is provided without the constraints of diet culture.

* The importance of normalizing the challenges of eating.

https://www.instagram.com/body.kind.nutrition/

https://www.patreon.com/BodyKindNutrition?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYbazZtIXUmbNiZ0PkY5kGcFNmHrrWVNvQ0KzSEtHSrjl0KQ_DI4wrNnbE_aem_UJU1mt1UnZNT9x_ecxy5Ag

Summary

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry discusses the unique challenges faced by individuals in larger bodies during the holiday season. She offers practical tips for navigating difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and fostering a positive body image amidst societal pressures. Kayla emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, finding supportive communities, and resisting the urge to engage in negative body talk, especially as the new year approaches. The conversation is filled with insights on how to prepare for the holidays with intention and self-compassion.

Takeaways

Holiday season can be challenging for those in larger bodies.

Body discomfort is often misinterpreted as body judgment.

It's essential to check in with your physical sensations.

Setting boundaries is crucial in social situations.

You don't have to engage in diet talk during gatherings.

Finding a supportive community can help combat negativity.

Owning your holiday wishlist empowers you to ask for what you need.

Resist the societal pressure to change your body in January.

Advertisers manipulate our perceptions of body image.

You deserve to celebrate the holidays without shame.

In this conversation, Kayla and Amy Julia (AJ) Cheyfitz Sex Therapist and Licensed Counselor to discuss the intersection of fatness and kink. They provide an overview of kink and BDSM, highlighting the broad range of behaviors and the importance of destigmatizing them. Amy Julia shares her experience as a larger-bodied individual in the kink community, noting the lack of representation and the need for more diverse body types in kink-related media. They also touch on the challenges of finding clothing that is comfortable for individuals with sensory issues and the importance of considering intersectionalities in discussions of kink and fatness. In this part of the conversation, AJ Cheyfitz discusses her experiences in the film industry and how it shaped her relationship with her body. She also talks about studying ASL and how the term 'fat' is neutral in that context. She then shares her experiences in the kink community and how it helped her have a changed relationship with her body. The kink community provides a space where there is a wide variety of bodies and no judgment or separation based on body size. Amy Julia also emphasizes the importance of diversifying one's feed and accessing more narratives about all bodies. In this conversation, AJ Cheyfitz and Kayla discuss the intersection of kink and fatness. They explore the challenges faced by individuals in larger bodies when it comes to communication, societal narratives around relationships and compatibility, and the role of trauma in kink. They also touch on the importance of understanding one's needs, desires, and worth when entering kink spaces, and provide resources for further exploration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Everything podcast

06:25 Challenges of Finding Comfortable Clothing

09:31 Intersectionalities and Identities

14:01 Overview of Kink and BDSM

17:41 Amy Julia's Experience in the Kink Community

19:11 Lack of Representation in Kink-Related Media

19:40 Navigating Body Image in the Film Industry

21:35 Finding Acceptance in the Kink Community

23:30 Diversity in the Kink Community

26:35 Empowering Through Diverse Narratives

39:35 The Importance of Consent in the Kink Community

43:07 Introduction to the Intersection of Kink and Fatness

45:55 Societal Narratives and Communication Challenges in Relationships

50:17 Trauma and its Impact on Kink and Relationships

52:26 Exploring Power Dynamics and Taboo Elements in Kink

57:47 Creating Safety and Advocating for Oneself in Kink Spaces

01:01:20 Resources for Further Exploration of Kink and Fatness

https://www.foxandowlpsychotherapy.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Kayla Stansberry and Ashantis Jones delve into the themes of fat liberation, intersectionality, and the societal implications of wealth and capitalism. They explore the emotional complexities surrounding anger in social justice movements, the responsibilities of the wealthy, and the illusion of happiness that often accompanies wealth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support over individualism, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to societal discontent.

* Takeaways

Fat liberation is about understanding and embracing all body types.

Anger can be a powerful tool for social justice, but it must be directed appropriately.

Wealth hoarding by billionaires exacerbates social issues like poverty and food insecurity.

Happiness is not guaranteed by wealth; many wealthy individuals experience deep unhappiness.

Community support is essential for individual well-being in a capitalist society.

The language we use around fatness and body image is constantly evolving.

We must challenge the notion that hard work always leads to wealth.

Consumerism often exploits marginalized communities, particularly in fashion.

Understanding fiscal literacy is crucial for addressing wealth inequality.

The systems we live in often dictate our emotional and physical well-being.

Intersectionality Explored: Racism, Autism, and Community

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry and guest Ashantis Jones tackle complex topics including autism, anti-Blackness, racism, capitalism, decolonization, and the importance of intersectional community. They discuss personal experiences with autism and ADHD, the nuances of systemic oppression, the necessity of genuine community connections, and the pervasive impact of societal structures on marginalized identities. The conversation underscores the challenges of existing under capitalism and white supremacy, and advocates for a more inclusive and accommodating approach to community building.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:20 Intersectionality Introductions

01:59 Autism and ADHD Experiences

08:19 Navigating Friendships and Community

12:08 Racism and Social Dynamics

22:31 Reflecting on Racial Experiences

24:04 Understanding Community and Diversity

26:22 Building Inclusive Relationships

29:25 Personal Stories of Change

30:22 The Importance of Community

32:51 Challenges in Advocacy and Activism

36:00 Confronting Systemic Issues

Creating Safe Spaces: Exploring Fat Liberation with Alexandra Shewan

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kale Stansberry, a licensed clinical professional counselor and fat positive therapist, interviews Alexandra Shewan from Canada. The discussion delves deep into fat liberation, addressing internalized anti-fat biases, and exploring intersectional identities. Both hosts share their personal experiences and discuss the importance of building safe fat communities. The episode underscores the significance of understanding and acknowledging one's cultural and ancestral identities while remaining mindful of the privileges associated with whiteness. Kale and Alexandra also address the importance of non-neutrality in therapy, self-disclosure, and the detrimental effects of diet culture and fat bias. Finally, the hosts highlight strategies for maintaining mental health in an anti-fat world, including the value of community, spirituality, and engaging in artistic pursuits.

00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Everything Podcast

00:27 Meet Alexandra Shewan: Intersectionalities and Fun Facts

02:05 Discussing Indigenous Land Acknowledgment

03:52 The Importance of Anti-Oppressive Therapy

10:25 Challenges in the Counseling Field

14:08 Fat Liberation and Therapy Practices

16:57 The Impact of Anti-Fatness in Mental Health

21:11 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy

23:04 Navigating Puberty and Diet Culture

24:57 The Impact of Early Sexualization

25:32 Objectification and Self-Perception

25:58 Childhood Awareness and Diet Culture

30:18 Emotional Neglect and Fatness

36:15 The Importance of Community

38:45 Personal Escapism and Self-Care

41:20 Exploring Spirituality and Identity

44:44 Conclusion and Resources

NAAFA - naafa.org

Native Land - native-land.ca

Selkie Counselling - selkiecounselling.ca

Fat Tea - selkiecounselling.ca/fat-tea

Special note: We are a bit late this week because of the horrendous outcome of the election. Just a reminder that this podcast is committed to standing against oppression. With the intention to uplift the most vulnerable populations. Please stay safe and care for yourself!

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry, a licensed clinical professional counselor and fat-positive therapist, engages in an in-depth conversation with Mix Pucks Aplenty, a black, disabled, fat, queer, non-binary burlesque performer, producer, and founder of The Fat Con in Seattle, Washington. Pucks discusses their journey into fat liberation through burlesque, the creation of The Fat Con and its associated burlesque festival, FatLessFest, and the significant challenges faced during the planning and execution phases. They also touch on personal intersectionalities, the importance of community, and the radical act of self-love in a fat body. The discussion highlights the detailed planning for the upcoming 2025 Fat Con, including a rich array of workshops, meet-and-greets, and evening entertainment. This episode offers a profound peek into the dedication, resilience, and creativity behind creating inclusive spaces for fat individuals.

00:00 Introduction to the Fat Positive Podcast

00:23 Guest Introduction: Mix Pucks Aplenty

00:35 Intersectionalities and Personal Identities

02:35 The Journey into Burlesque

10:44 Creating FatCon: The Inception

15:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Organizing FatCon

20:45 Building a Diverse and Inclusive Team

24:16 The Radical Act of Community

26:38 The Impact of Shame on Community

27:05 Formerly Fat People and Anti-Fatness

28:49 Details of 2025 FatCon

31:20 Workshops and Events at FatCon

33:41 Community Building and Accessibility

41:45 Scholarships and Ticketing Options

43:12 FatCon and FatLessFest: A Weekend of Thickness

47:50 Expanding the FatCon Movement

49:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

FatCon - www.fatcon.org

Philly FatCon - IG profile

Fatlesque Fest NW - www.fatlesquefestnw.com

ChubHub PDX - www.chubhubpdx.com

The PlusBus - www.theplusbus.com

Puckduction - www.mxpucksaplenty.com

Challenging White Feminism and Advocating for Body Liberation: A Comprehensive Look

In this episode of the Fat Positive Everything podcast, host Kayla Stansberry is joined by public health consultant and activist Patrilie Hernandez to explore the intricacies of white feminism, intersectionality, and fat liberation. The conversation delves into the evolution of these movements within online spaces, discussing the shift from collective organizing to individual prominence and the impact of capitalism on social justice advocacy. With a focus on conflict resolution, cultural differences, and the need for self-compassion in social movements, the episode emphasizes the necessity of creating secure, inclusive spaces and understanding the historical context of activism. Listeners are encouraged to engage mindfully in online interactions, fostering genuine relationships while avoiding the exploitation of others' labor.

You can find the Wonderful Patrilie Hernandez

https://www.embodylib.com/about

@the_bodylib_Advocate