This week on Shirts in the Pool, we’re joined by Meghan and Vannessa from TLC’s 1000-lb Best Friends. In this heartfelt and candid conversation, Meghan and Vannessa open up about their weight loss journeys, body image struggles, and the emotional highs and lows of transformation. We talk about swimming with loose skin, dating after weight loss, and why being on reality TV can be both inspiring and frustrating. They share their thoughts on self-acceptance, the power of friendship, and their hopes for the future—Vannessa with her new job at Smoothie King, and Meghan dreaming of opening a cat sanctuary. Both are driven to motivate and uplift others through their stories. Fans of 1000-lb Best Friends will love the behind-the-scenes stories, hilarious recaps, and the moments they wish had made it to air.   Be sure to follow them both! You can find Meghan at @meghan_1000lbbestfriends and Vannessa at @vannessa_1kbestfriends.

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week on Shirts in the Pool, we’re joined by comedian and Roast Battle League MVP Shelley Gruenberg. Shelley shares her journey from being diagnosed with diabetes at 24 to losing 70 pounds over a year and a half through diet and exercise. She talks about the emotional and social aspects of her weight loss, including the impact of her new body on her interactions and the challenges of maintaining her health while traveling for comedy. She also touches on the importance of setting boundaries around eating and the support she received from friends. Our conversation ends with Shelley giving practical, real-world advice for anyone dealing with similar health struggles. We loved this episode and know you will too!

Be sure to follow Shelley on Instagram at @notshelleyjo. 

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week, we’re excited to be joined by Scott Bagwill from TLC’s 1000-lb Best Friends. New to the show for Season 3, he gives us a look at how he came to be a part of it, and what it was like joining our favorite reality tv cast. Scott takes us behind the scenes of what you don't get to see on camera, what it's like losing weight in front of millions, and sharing the screen with perhaps the biggest star of Season 3, his mom.    Scott updates us on how his life has changed since we last saw him, the importance of remembering your "why" when on your health journey, and the positive role that therapy has played in his life.  Of course, we also dive into some of our favorite unforgettable moments from the season: Meatballgate, speed dating, the string cheese incident, and Scott’s journey toward bariatric surgery. You won't want to miss this honest, funny, and inspiring conversation.    Be sure to follow Scott on Instagram at @scott_1kbestfriends.

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week on Shirts in the Pool, we’re joined by comedian and artist Mira Mason.

We talk about her journey of reclaiming her body through strength training, working with a coach, and the confidence that comes from getting stronger. A bonafide horse girl, Mira grew up in Arizona riding roughstock, keyhole, and barrel racing — she soon found out you can’t be a fat girl and be a rodeo queen.

We dive into binge eating, growing up with an almond mom, and the comfort of finding someone you can eat around. Mira also explains why being called “brave” for your outfit isn’t helpful, rates Mike’s Bumble profile, confirms his emoji game is way too slutty, and recounts her recent lube wrestling victory.

Together, we reflect on growing up around skinny kids, the disconnect between old photos and self-image, and what it really means to feel at home in your body. As Mira puts it: “At its core, you want to feel better, you want to be able to move better, and feel better in your body.”

You can follow Mira on Instagram at @flesheating_virus_ and be sure to check out her monthy show, High Voltage Comedy at Culture Shock! 

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week on Shirts in the Pool, we’re joined by actor, writer, and comedian Peyton Johnson. We dive into her comedy pilot, Office of Residence Life, inspired by her time as a college RA.

Meant to be a performer, Peyton shares her journey from majoring in musical theatre to acting at Atlanta’s Shakespeare Tavern. We talk stand-up, Pilates (we finally learn what it actually is), and what it’s like being in an interracial best friend couple.

She also tells a Valentine’s Day story involving a peanut butter cookie, an allergic reaction, and an unexpected trip to the ER — romantic, right?

We get into dating and why the approach is still respected, Peyton puts Mike’s dating profile under the microscope, and we all agree that “Group Soup” should never be allowed. Tune in for laughs, stories, and a sneak peek at a future comedy special we’re already looking forward to.

You can follow Peyton on Instagram at @notoriouspey and find her giving tours of Atlanta on the Funny Bus.

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

Welcome back to Shirts in the Pool!

This week we are joined by comedian Sherry Beersdorf. We talk growing up religous in the south, why comedy feels like the new youth group, and how working out really does help (even if we hate to admit it). We unpack how body dysmorphia affects us on the daily, the allure of Door Dashing Ozempic, and how our relationships with our bodies shape how we see ourselves. We also dive into body image, gender identity, and the complicated feelings that come with figuring yourself out. We loved this conversation and know you will too!

You can follow Sherry on Instagram at @sherrybeersdorf and on Tiktok at @sherrybeersdorf. 

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week, we’re joined by Ashely Sutton from TLC’s 1000-lb Best Friends for one of our most honest and hilarious episodes yet. Ashely gets real about the emotional side of losing weight on camera—what people don’t see behind the scenes, the pressure of public opinion, and how food, friendship, and self-worth are all tangled up in the process. We talk about emotional eating, dating with body dysmorphia, finding confidence after surgery, and the chaos of Meatballgate. Plus, Ashely shares how taking a break helped her reset—and what keeps her going now.   It’s funny, unfiltered, and full of heart.   Follow Ashely on Instagram at @ashthebff.

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week on Shirts in the Pool, we’re joined by our new friend, the hilarious Amber Autry—stand-up comedian, podcaster, and one of the newest additions to Netflix Is a Joke (congrats, Amber!). She pulled up from Nashville for the West End Comedy Festival, and we were lucky enough to sit down and talk about everything from food and comedy to therapy and self-worth.   We dive into what it’s like growing up without seeing yourself represented, the shame cycle of wearing shirts in the pool, and how early insecurities follow us into adulthood. Amber shares insights from her own therapy journey (and how to find a good therapist), plus what it’s like balancing comedy and emotional work on the road.   If you love laughing through the real stuff, this one’s for you.   Follow Amber at @amberautrycomedy, and check out her podcast I'm Fine, It's Fine for more laughs and life tools.

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

This week on Shirts in the Pool, we sit down with comedian Cori Isla. Kicking things off, she breaks down her epic Halloween experience dressing as Pikachu. We ask, “Can we stop commenting on other people’s bodies?!” Cori also dives into her dad’s weight loss journey with Ozempic and the challenges of reconciling with a smaller self-image. We explore the importance of therapy during major weight loss transformations, discuss roast battles, and unpack why fat jokes sometimes hit different.

You can follow Cori on Instagram at @extragravybiscuit and on Tiktok at @Extragravybiscuitt. 

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli

On this episode of Shirts in the Pool, we sit down with strength coach and nutritional therapist Lainie Cassel. 

You can follow Lainie at @casselwellness and check out her website here. 

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Intro/Outro: John Riccitelli