In this powerful and candid episode, Sam sits down with Taylor Malajati, a proud, neurodivergent, queer woman of color and passionate advocate for body liberation and accessibility. Taylor shares her lived experiences navigating the world in a larger body, living with ADHD and an eating disorder, and the impact of diet culture and weight stigma on her journey to self-acceptance.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Taylor’s personal story and what led her to body liberation advocacy
• The nuances of “small fat,” “large fat,” and privilege within the fat community
• The intersection of eating disorders, weight stigma, and medical bias
• The impact of GLP-1 medications and the complexities of health narratives
• Accessibility challenges in everyday life, from clothing to public spaces
• The importance of fat community, support groups, and finding belonging
• Reframing health as a moral value and rejecting the “good fat” narrative
• Practical ways to support fat friends and create more inclusive spaces

Resources & Ways to Connect with Taylor:

• Connect with Taylor and the AVL Fatties community: @avlfatties
• Taylor’s Instagram: @malajabody
• Book mentioned: “What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat” by Aubrey Gordon

Connect with Sam:

• Unmasked Nutrition
• Sam's IG: @sammib.nutrition

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian or any other medical care rendered by a medical provider.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Haleigh Culverhouse to explore the Enneagram, an ancient personality system that goes far beyond typical personality tests. They dive deep into all nine types, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss how understanding your Enneagram type can transform your relationships, work, and personal growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is the enneagram? Plus an overview of all nine types that make it up

• Common misconceptions about each type
• How the enneagram can help you manage stress, grow and better understand yourself
• How the enneagram can hold a mirror up to better understand your blind spots and unique wirings
• How the enneagram is helpful for navigating personal and professional relationships
• Where to start if you are interested in learning more!

Resources Mentioned:

• Assessment Tool: iEQ9
• Books:

• The Road Back to You by Ian Kron
• The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge by Beatrice Chestnut

• Podcast: The Enneagram 2.0 with Beatrice Chestnut

Connect with Haleigh

• Haleigh's Practice: Human to the Fullest
• Instagram: @human.to.the.fullest
• TikTok: @HaleighCole
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Sam

• Ready to work with a neuro-affirming dietitian? Click here
• Instagram: @sammib.nutrition

Declaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individual medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian or any other medical services provided by a medical professional.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Melissa Berger CPCC, ACC, founder of the Thriving With Autism program, to discuss the realities of parenting an autistic child, navigating a late autism diagnosis, and building a supportive community for neurodivergent families.

Key Topics Covered:

• Melissa’s personal journey: From her daughter’s late autism diagnosis at 16 to building a thriving support system
• Understanding masking, meltdowns, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting through an autism diagnosis
• Practical coping strategies for parents and teens, including creative solutions like car rides for regulation
• The importance of self-care for parents of autistic children (and why it’s more than just bubble baths!)
• How to find reliable autism resources and avoid information overload
• Building your autism parenting village: coaching, community, and support
• Debunking common autism misconceptions and embracing neurodiversity
• Empowering autistic kids: focusing on progress, not comparison

Connect with Melissa:

• Download Melissa’s free Meltdown Workbook: meltdownworkbook.com
• Learn more about Melissa’s coaching and support programs: melissakberger.com

Connect with Sam:

• Learn more about working with Sam or a dietitian on her team: www.unmasked-nutrition.com
• Connect on IG: @sammib.nutrition

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individualized nutrition counseling provided by a registered dietitian or any other medical care rendered by a medical provider.

In this episode, Sam welcomes Ashley Sterkin, fractional COO and founder of Hive Ambition, for a heartfelt conversation about the power of community. Ashley shares her journey from scaling tech startups to building a supportive space for ambitious women who want to grow their businesses, without sacrificing their wellbeing.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Ashley’s story: from tech COO to community builder and why motherhood changed her priorities + the inspiration behind Hive Ambition

• Why community is the most underrated tool and how it can transform your entrepreneurial journey
• The challenges of “doing it all” and redefining what it means to be an independent women

• The importance of boundaries, vulnerability, and support for sustainable business and personal growth
• Real talk on social media, comparison, and the value of in-person connection
• Ashley’s advice for anyone feeling isolated or overwhelmed

Connect with Ashley & Hive Ambition:

• Website: hiveambition.com
• Instagram: @hiveambition
• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Sam

• Ready to work with a dietitian that understands your neuro-type? Visit our website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com
• Claim your 14 day free trial to Unmasked Meal Prep
• Connect on IG: @sammib.nutrition

Enjoyed this episode?Please subscribe, rate, and review, this will help us reach more people just like you! Share with a friend who needs to hear this episode:)

For more episodes and resources, visit www.unmasked-nutrition.com

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy or other medical care provided by a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam welcome Blair Buckler Pfeiffer, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and ADHD/perimenopause coach. With nearly two decades of experience, Blair brings warmth, humor, and deep clinical insight to her work supporting women through emotional, relational, and life transitions.

What We Cover:

• Blair’s personal journey with ADHD and perimenopause, and how her experiences shaped her approach to therapy and coaching
• The intersection of neurodivergence and hormonal changes, and why perimenopause can amplify ADHD symptoms
• Common misconceptions about perimenopause and menopause, including the lack of education in medical training
• The importance of hormone replacement therapy, and how to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers

• Practical DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills for navigating midlife transitions
• The value of self-advocacy, listening to your body, and building confidence in medical and personal settings

Resources Mentioned:

• Blair’s coaching website: blairpfeiffercoaching.com
• Therapy resource: helpwithdbt.com
• Dr. Mary Claire Haver (hormone health)
• Dr. Elaine Aron (Highly Sensitive Person research)

Connect with Blair:

• Coaching: blairpfeiffercoaching.com
• Therapy (NC & SC): helpwithdbt.com

Connect with Sam:

• Website: unmasked-nutrition.com
• Claim your 14 day free trial to Unmasked Meal Prep
• Instagram: @sammib.nutrition

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay safe, stay nourished, and see you next time!

Disclaimer: This episode is for education purposes only. This episode is not intended to replace individualized nutrition counseling provided by a registered dietitian or medical care provided by a medical provider.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Caroline Shermer to explore the complexities of body image, eating disorders, and the impact of diet culture. Caroline shares her personal journey into the field, the importance of addressing body image in nutrition counseling, and why healing is about so much more than food.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Caroline’s path to becoming an eating disorder specialist and her personal connection to the work
• The role of body image in eating disorder recovery and why it’s often overlooked
• How social media and constant “body data” fuel dissatisfaction and comparison
• The concept of “body image as brain work,” not just about appearance
• Expanding the spectrum: moving beyond the binary of body hatred vs. body positivity
• Practical tools for clients: self-compassion, mindfulness, and values-based work
• The “consent problem” in diet culture and how to reclaim agency
• Why body peace is a process, not a destination—and what it really means

Resources & Mentions:

• Meant to Eat Nutrition Counseling: meanttoeat.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @meanttoeat
• Dr. Anita Johnston’s work on storytelling and somatic coding
• Kristen Neff’s three pillars of self-compassion
• Marci Evans’ body image handouts

Connect with Caroline:

• Website: meanttoeat.com
• Instagram & TikTok: @meanttoeat
• In-person sessions in Nashville, TN & virtual sessions nationwide

Connect with Sam:

• Website: www.unmasked-nutrition.com
• Claim your 14 day free trial of Unmasked Meal Prep
• Instagram: @sammib.nutrition

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individualized medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling or other medical care from dietitian or other medical provider.

Welcome back to the Nourishing Neurodivergence Podcast! After our fall break, we’re excited to bring you a powerful episode featuring Cat Evans, founder of Cat Evans ADHD Coaching, former high school teacher and college professor, and a passionate advocate for neurodivergent teens and young adults.

In this episode:

• Cat shares her journey from educator to ADHD coach, including her own late diagnosis and how it shaped her approach to teaching and coaching.
• We dive deep into common myths about ADHD, especially as they relate to women and girls, and discuss why these misconceptions persist.
• Cat and Sam explore the realities of executive function, emotional regulation, and the unique challenges (and strengths!) of living with ADHD.

Key Myths Debunked:

• “You can’t have ADHD if you get good grades.”
• “People with ADHD just can’t focus.”
• “ADHD is over diagnosed, everyone has it now.”
• “ADHD medication will harm your brain or make you reliant.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Understood.org
• ADDitude Magazine

Connect with Cat Evans:

• Website: catevanscoaching.com
• Instagram: @cat.evans.adhd.coaching
• Facebook: Cat Evans ADHD Coaching

Connect with Sam:

• Website: ⁠www.unmasked-nutrition.com⁠
• ⁠Claim your 14 day free trial of Unmasked Meal Prep⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@sammib.nutrition⁠

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review! For more resources and to connect with our community, check out the show notes and links above.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian or medical care of any kind from a health care provider.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Chrissy Overstreet Gonzalez, a chef-turned weight-inclusive, trauma-informed dietitian and founder of Food Full Circle. Chrissy shares her journey from culinary school to holistic nutrition counseling, her experiences as a late-diagnosed ADHD adult, and her passion for helping clients reconnect with their bodies through intuitive eating.

Key Topics Covered:

• Chrissy’s transition from professional chef to registered dietitian

• How culinary skills inform her nutrition practice
• The intersection of neurodivergence, eating disorders, and nutrition

• The importance of foundational habits over trendy tests and supplements
• Managing ADHD, medication, and their effects on hunger and eating patterns
• Tips for building self-compassion and meeting yourself where you are
• The role of self-acceptance in healing your relationship with food and body

Connect with Chrissy:

• Find Chrissy on Instagram and other social platforms: @foodfullcircle
• Learn more about her virtual practice: www.foodfullcircle.org
• Chrissy's story

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Ready to join the Unmasked Meal Prep Community? Claim your 14 day free trial today

Want to work with a neuro-affirming dietitian? Click here to learn more about working with Sam or a member of her team

Follow along with Sam on IG: @sammib.nutrition

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individualized medical care from a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Beth Florio, founder of Moving and Breathing, to discuss a refreshing approach to movement, exercise, and wellness. Beth shares her journey from dancer to personal trainer and nutrition coach, and how her philosophy centers on making movement accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone, especially women.

Key Topics Covered:

• Beth’s personal story: overcoming disordered eating and finding a balanced relationship with movement
• Why mindset is crucial for building healthy habits around exercise
• The importance of finding movement you enjoy (or at least don’t dread!) and letting go of “shoulds”
• How to break free from all-or-nothing thinking and redefine what “counts” as exercise
• The role of community and social connection in staying active
• Tips for strength training at home, even without a gym or equipment
• How language and early experiences shape our relationship with movement
• The value of flexibility, self-compassion, and neutral self-talk in fitness and body image

Connect with Beth:

• Instagram & Facebook: @movingandbreathing
• Website: movingandbreathing.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------Ready to join Unmasked Meal Prep? Claim your 14 day free trial todayWant to work with a neurodivergent affirming dietitian? Click here to to learn more about working with the Unmasked Nutrition teamConnect with Sam on IG: @sammib.nutritionDisclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not meant to replace individualized care from a registered dietitian or other medical professional.

In this episode, Sam sits down with Allison Jordan—leadership coach, trainer, yoga teacher, and former nonprofit CEO—to explore the power of pausing, self-leadership, and the journey from burnout to purpose. Allison shares her transition from leading a nonprofit to coaching leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and creating space for reflection.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the “inner critic” vs. the “inner mentor”—how these voices show up, and why both are part of the human experience
• Practical strategies for quieting the inner critic, including visualization, value-based decision-making, and creative exercises like writing letters from your inner mentor
• The myth of “banishing” the inner critic and the reality of learning to coexist with it
• The importance of self-care, authenticity, and leading yourself first before leading others
• Real-life examples of clients shifting from self-doubt to self-trust and how that impacts their leadership journey

Connect with Allison:

• Website & Newsletter: riverstonerising.com
• Upcoming workshops: “Quiet Your Inner Critic” and “Meet Your Inner Mentor” (virtual and in-person in Asheville, NC)
• Leadership coaching opportunities available

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Ready to find your neurodivergent community? Claim your 14 day free trial to Unmasked Meal Prep

Ready for 1 on 1 support from a neuro-affirming dietitian? Click here to learn more

Follow along on IG: @sammib.nutrition

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. This episode is not a replacement for individualized nutrition counseling or medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian or medical care from another medical provider.