The Appetite

Part 3 of a 3 part series: Changemakers in Sport

Ten years ago, at just 17 years old, Valerie Gruest, PhD, OLY made history as the first Guatemalan swimmer to compete in the Olympic Games.

Fast-forward to today, and Valerie is using her lived experience in sport to make an even bigger splash—this time through academia. As an Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University, she is helping people become more informed, empowered, and embodied media users while raising awareness about the potential harms of "fitspiration" content.

In today's episode, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, Clinical Director and Co-Founder of Opal, sits down with Valerie as part of our 3-episode series featuring changemakers in sport.

Valerie's passion, dedication, and drive to create meaningful, lasting change are truly inspiring.

Tune in—you won't want to miss this conversation!

#ChangemakersInSport #Fitspiration #MediaLiteracy #SportsAndMentalHealth #BodyImage #SportPsychology #Olympics #Swimming #Guatemala #Opal

Find Valerie:

• Faculty bio

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Website (currently under construction)

Other links:

Lifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-Analysis by Valerie Gruest

The 'fitfluencer' community is growing. What are the dangers? | NPR Illinois

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team…

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

Part 2 of a 3 part series: Changemakers in Sport

What makes a great sports coach? Someone you'd want in your corner—and someone you'd be thrilled to have coaching your child? We think we've found one worth learning from.

In the latest episode of our three-part "Changemakers in Sport" series, Opal's Director of Exercise + Sport, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with Liza Rickey, Head Cross Country and Assistant Distance Track & Field Coach at Issaquah High School. Liza has led athletes to multiple State titles—but that's not what makes her story so compelling. Her real success lies in how intentionally she coaches the whole athlete, weaving mental health, nutrition, mental skills, and creative, athlete-centered practices into the sport experience.

She's also a true changemaker—willing to challenge long-standing norms and reimagine systems to create a healthier, more supportive experience for all athletes. Tune in for a conversation about what it looks like to coach with intention, courage, and the whole athlete in mind. You won't want to miss this one!

#ChangemakersInSport #SportsCoaching #WholeAthlete #MentalHealthInSport #YouthSports #AthleteWellbeing #SportsPsychology

Contact Liza: [email protected]

@coachlizarickey

Links:

Stanford FASTR

Project RED-S

Red in Sport

Wildwood

Lane 9

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team…

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

Part 1 of a 3 part series: Changemakers in Sport

What does it look like for a teenage athlete to step outside the "rules" of diet culture and toxic fitness culture? You're in luck—tune in to today's episode of The Appetite, part of our three-episode "Changemakers in Sport" series. In this episode, Hannah Bazzi, an incoming high school senior, speaks honestly and thoughtfully about her relationship with food, sport, and injury—and what it means to navigate these experiences with an informed understanding of diet culture and its impact. Hannah is joined by her mom, Opal Co-Founder and Clinical Director Kara Bazzi, LMFT. Together, they explore Hannah's journey and the ways she uses her voice to create positive change within her community. Hannah is a true Changemaker in Sport—and we can't wait for you to hear her story. 💛

Links:

Our Space in Sport - Aug 30th, Federal Way, WA

Starting Early on Body Wisdom:… - The Appetite - Apple Podcasts

Quick Comebacks: How to Deal w… - The Appetite - Apple Podcasts

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team…

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

In this special episode of The Appetite, Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, share the story behind Sideways: A Variety Show About OCD, Eating Disorders and Being Human—a one-night-only event hosted by Opal on August 29 at Fremont Abbey Arts Center in Seattle.

Sideways benefits The Busyhead Project, the nonprofit mental health organization founded by Noah Kahan that works to reduce the stigma around mental health and expand access to mental health resources.

Lexi and Kara share how the variety show began in Opal's partial hospitalization program and is an opportunity to bring the healing power of creativity to the broader community. Sideways features live performances from artists with lived experience of eating disorders and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

At its heart, Sideways is a celebration of community, a balm for shame, and an exploration of creativity as a powerful tool for healing. Tune in to hear Lexi and Kara share the story behind the show, the inspiration that brought it to life, and what Sideways has in store for the audience.

Get your tickets on Eventbrite today and get ready to show the love to these brave humans!

Shout out to our sponsors: Greenwrld, Mansion Creek Cellars, House of Smith Wines, Kobayashi Winery and Pecado Bueno

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

Part 3 of a 3 part series: "The Menopause Series"

Episode 3: Menopause + Mental Health -- Opal's Nutrition Director and Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN, speaks with therapist Katie McKenna, LMHC, about the connection between perimenopause, menopause, and mental health. Katie explores how hormonal changes can affect mood, anxiety, sleep, cognition, body image, and identity, while increasing vulnerability to eating disorder relapse or new onset.

Building on our previous conversations about the biological and workplace aspects of menopause, this episode focuses on the emotional and psychological dimensions of this transition. Julie and Katie discuss common misconceptions about menopause, the impact of cultural messages about aging, and invites listeners to approach menopause not only as a transition, but also a time of increased self-awareness, renewal and growth.

Connect with Katie:

McKenna Counseling --- Integrative Psychotherapy and Nutrition

Menopause Talks

@katie.mc.kenna

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

Part 2 of a 3 part series: "The Menopause Series"

Episode 2: Menopause + Work — Opal's Nutrition Director and Co-Founder, Julie Church, RDN speaks with Janie Stuart, PhD, about the intersection of menopause and workplace experiences. Drawing from her research in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Janie describes how menopause often occurs during pivotal career years and how workplace norms—like "work-first" cultures, ageism, and gender expectations—can shape how symptoms and transitions are perceived. Building on our previous conversation about the biological aspects of menopause, this episode explores the social and psychological dimensions of the transition. Julie and Janie also discuss practical ways individuals, leaders, and organizations can foster more inclusive workplaces that support employees through menopause and other major life transitions.

Connect with Janie: LinkedIn.com/in/stuartjanie

Janie is a consultant at Re-center Consulting

Menopause Resources: National Menopause Foundation

Menopause at Work

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

When injury sidelines an athlete—or performance outcomes fall short—it has a way of revealing growth edges within us. Tune in to The Appetite as Opal Co-Founder and Director of the Exercise + Sport Program, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with high school distance runner and podcaster Nicholas Macha. In this powerful conversation, Nicholas shares how his injuries and performance disappointments led him to a deeper exploration of identity, relationships, faith, and the constant balancing act between sports, school, and social life. His honesty and insight as a young male athlete offer a refreshing and inspiring look at navigating challenges while maintaining a perspective of growth, clarity and hope. Macha's podcast: Opening Up About 2026 & What t… - The Sunday Shakeout - Apple Podcasts @thesundayshakeout

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

Part 1 of 3 part series: "The Menopause Series" ---

Episode 1: Menopause + Eating Disorders — In this episode, Opal's Nutrition Director, Julie Church, RDN, speaks with Naomi Busch, MD, about menopause through the lens of an eating disorder physician. Together they explore the biological changes of peri-menopause and menopause, common symptoms, and current treatment approaches. The conversation also highlights parallels between menopause care and eating disorder treatment—particularly around body changes, medical support, and navigating vulnerability during major life transitions. Dr. Busch shares insights especially those with a history of eating disorders, as well as guidance for loved ones who want to offer meaningful support. This reflective conversation invites listeners to better understand menopause and approach it with compassion, curiosity, and informed care. 🎙️

Find Naomi @seattlemenopausedoc and Seattle Menopause Medicine

Other links: SWAN– Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Study

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

Does better education around period health, proper fueling, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport actually lead to healthier behaviors in female athletes? In this episode, Opal's Director of Exercise + Sport, Kara Bazzi, LMFT, sits down with seasoned provider Heather Caplan, RDN to share what they're seeing firsthand in their clinical work. Together, they unpack the systemic pressures that push teen and young adult athletes to prioritize performance over long-term health.

Heather also shares how she supports young athletes in restoring their period health—and speaks candidly about what still needs to change in our culture to truly protect and empower them in today's increasingly intense, professionalized youth sports environment. Coaches, parents, athletes—this conversation is for you.

Links:

Lane 9 project Lane 9 Project - Clinician Directory

Heather's website Heather Caplan | Weight-Inclusive Dietitian

Stanford FASTR Stanford FASTR Program

Link to article I read: Built for Someone Else: Why Female Athletes Are Still Pushing Through Systems That Don't Support Them - JRN | The World's Leading Rowing Platform

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios

In this episode, Gabe and Hank courageously open up about vulnerable moments through a process of group self-inquiry. Gabe explores the bitterness that arises from receiving positive affirmations after dance performances, while Hank examines the feelings of stupidity and pointlessness that surfaced when anger was physically expressed. Together with Opal Co-Founders Lexi Giblin, PhD, and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, Gabe and Hank offer each other the gift of provocative questions that elicit new learning. You are invited to kick back, notice what questions you might have asked and what questions hit something spicy for your own growth.

To learn more about Self Inquiry listen to : Self Inquiry Overview episode

Connect with Opal:

www.opalfoodandbody.com

@opalfoodandbody

@Opal.Movement

Thank you to our team...

Editing by David Bazzi

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Sound engineering by Ayesha Ubayatilaka at Jack Straw Studios