In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri interviews dietitian and certified diabetes educator Kristie Messerli (The Type 2 Diabetes Nutritionist) about type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, medication, and the shame and fear that often follow diagnosis. Kristie explains diabetes in lay terms, emphasizing insulin resistance as the underlying issue, genetics as a major driver, and the nuance beyond "cut carbs, lose weight, exercise more," especially for women already dieting and exercising. They discuss complications as largely tied to unmanaged diabetes, the reality that medication may still be needed as the pancreas becomes less efficient, and myths about reversal, prediabetes, and weight loss. Kristie also breaks down GLP-1s, cautions against CGMs for people without diabetes/prediabetes, and shares resources, including her Balanced Blood Sugar Method and provider training group.

03:19 Diabetes Explained Simply

06:14 Is Type 2 Your Fault?

12:54 Common Fears and Complications

17:56 Myth or Fact?

21:55 Hormones, Thyroid, and PCOS

29:36 Genetics Loads the Gun

31:45 Healing Trust With Food

43:03 GLP1s Explained

49:20 Medication Fear and Risks

55:58 Diabetes Shame and Culture

59:08 Resources and Next Steps

WANT MORE OF KRISTIE?

Connect with Kristie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/type2diabetes.nutritionist/

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/seven-steps

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri shares how receiving five perfectly fitting gowns from Sydney's Closet sparked a corrective experience that contrasted with her 2007 prom season, when a dream dress wouldn't zip and intensified shame, restriction, and a fixation on weight loss that later contributed to pursuing bariatric surgery. She reflects on being pre-diabetic at 16, the discouragement of dieting and being blamed for "not doing it right," and how clothes not fitting became a lasting scar tied to dating, food anxiety, and self-worth. As an eating-disorder-trained clinician with lived experience, Bri names anti-fat bias as stronger than capitalism, grieves exclusion and lack of choice in fashion, critiques the weight-loss-as-health narrative, and describes her current life at 35 as fat, healthier, and free from food obsession, while still navigating structural inaccessibility.

01:58 Flashback to 2007

02:53 Diet Plan and Pressure

05:16 The Prom Dress Dream

06:57 Prom Night Breakdown

09:37 Aftermath and Lasting Scar

11:09 Privilege of Choice

12:22 Sad Truths About Fashion

15:06 When Weight Loss Fails

17:09 Bigger Than Clothes

21:18 Healing Beyond the Scale

23:08 Letter to My 16 Year Old Self

26:11 You Are Worthy

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Stunning gowns designed exclusively for plus sizes at https://sydneyscloset.com/

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/seven-steps

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri interviews anti-diet, weight-inclusive personal stylist Dacy Gillespie about clothing grief, style, and size accessibility. Dacy shares how styling clients revealed the need to address body feelings and how "flattering" advice often aims to make bodies appear smaller, rooted in white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism, referencing work by Sabrina Strings and Sonya Renee Taylor. They discuss real scarcity in plus-size clothing, including brands dropping extended sizes, and the grief and privilege tied to beauty standards. Dacy shares some of her practical tips for rejuvenating your closet through size changes, while still taking care of your own emotional wellbeing.

01:50 How Mindful Closet Began

03:58 Size Access and Hidden Grief

07:42 Unpacking "Flattering" Culture

13:34 Scarcity Mindset vs Reality

25:52 Client Clothing Grief Questions

30:19 Move Clothes Aside

33:02 Budget Shopping Tips

37:04 Unlearning Body Shame

44:30 Dream Your Style

EPISODE RESOURCES:

"Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fatphobia" by Sabrina Strings

"The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love" by Sonya Renee Taylor

"Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness" by Da'Shaun L. Harrison

Episode 67: Being SEEN: picture grief with Lindley Ashline

Summer Support Anti-Diet Panel

Study on Women's Clothing Size

WANT MORE OF DACY GILLESPIE?

Join Dacy's newsletter at https://dacygillespie.substack.com/

"Mindful Closet" styling services with Dacy https://www.mindfulcloset.com/

Watch for Dacy's upcoming book, "Unflattering: A Radical New Way to Get Dressed"

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/seven-steps

In this episode of The Body Grievers® Club, Brianna interviews TikTok creator and author Allora Dannon, who describes herself as a plus-size "accidental late bloomer spokesperson." Allora explains how she reframed "late bloomer" to mean not dating or experiencing physical intimacy until her thirties, and she shares how growing up as the oldest of ten in a supportive religious family still left her feeling embarrassed, isolated, and "left behind" as her sisters married while she received little romantic attention.

Together, Bri and Allora discuss the cultural whiplash around sex and inexperience, the impact of fatphobia on dating, the desire to be wanted without tying worth to men's attraction, and how platitudes about dating can be more harmful than validation.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:27 Meet the Guest: 'Accidental Late Bloomer' Allora Dannon

04:13 Her Background: Big Family, Faith, and Feeling 'Too Much'

10:25 Wanting to Be Desired Isn't a Moral Failing

13:16 Modern Dating Is Brutal: Apps, Anxiety, and Outdated Advice

21:12 Season of Bravery: Dating Apps, Rules, and Asking People Out

33:13 First Relationship After Late Blooming: Beautiful Firsts & Red Flags

36:14 A 'Season of Bravery': Dating Apps, One-Month Rule & Meeting Her Fiancé

40:31 Do It Scared, Not Traumatized: Nervous System, Anxiety Meds & Expanding Attraction

46:26 Intimacy as Healing: Sleeping Naked, Loving Your Shape & Protecting Your Progress

51:16 Ode to the Apron Belly: Body Dysmorphia, Moving Goalposts & Finding Neutrality

56:47 Closing Advice & Community: The Memoir Plug, Where to Start Healing, and Where to Find Her

EPISODE RESOURCES:

"Who Is She? A Late Bloomer's Survival Guide" by Allora Dannon

"Thank You, More Please: A Feminist Guide to Breaking Dumb Dating Rules and Finding Love" by Lily Womble

WANT MORE OF ALLORA DANNON?

https://www.alloradannon.com/

@alloradannon On All Social Channels

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/seven-steps

In this episode of The Body Grievers® Club, Bri discusses the challenges of self-advocacy within the context of body image and core beliefs. She recounts a personal experience at the Sacramento Airport where she found herself struggling to ask for a wheelchair accommodation due to an injury. Bri explores the layers of body image distress, internalized ableism, and the difficulty of allowing oneself to ask for help. Through examining core beliefs and emotional triggers, she identifies a deep-seated fear of being perceived as a fraud by her clients and herself. The episode highlights the importance of understanding and reframing core beliefs, the role of emotional work in body image healing, and the necessity of compassion and patience in the journey toward self-acceptance. Bri offers practical advice on navigating distressful body image moments and emphasizes the value of vulnerability in the healing process. 00:53 Core Beliefs and Body Image 01:13 A Personal Story from Sacramento Airport 03:33 The Struggle with Asking for Help 03:45 Injury and Vulnerability 05:32 Unpacking Body Image Distress 11:58 Core Beliefs Worksheet: A Practical Guide 16:37 The Emotional Weight of Self-Advocacy 24:50 Reframing Core Beliefs 28:08 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/seven-steps

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri sits down with Kimmie Singh, a registered dietitian specializing in PCOS and eating disorders, to discuss the complex journey of body liberation. They explore the societal assumptions faced by fat dietitians, the challenges of navigating professional spaces, and the stigmas around PCOS and body image. Kim breaks down her unique approach to nutrition, which emphasizes body liberation and destigmatizing food and body size. They delve into the importance of self-care, the limitations of behavior change alone, and the nuanced role of medications like GLP-1 in managing PCOS. The conversation also touches on their personal friendship dynamics, the diversity in movement preferences, and the importance of creating supportive and non-judgmental spaces for clients. Whether you're managing PCOS, grappling with body acceptance, or just looking to learn more about holistic and compassionate health care, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice.

01:59 The Role of a Non-Traditional Dietician

03:52 Personal Stories and Professional Challenges

07:07 Understanding PCOS: Personal Journey

15:07 Common Misconceptions and Myths about PCOS

22:20 Weight Neutral Management for PCOS

28:44 Healing Relationship with Movement

31:23 Gentle Encouragement vs. Pressure

39:03 Explaining PCOS in Simple Terms

42:06 Behavior Change and Medication

48:11 Final Thoughts and Resources

WANT MORE OF KIMMIE SINGH?

https://www.bodyhonornutrition.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bodyhonornutrition/

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri goes live and bears all about the complexities of body image and the radical notion of body acceptance. As a body image coach, she challenges societal norms and misconceptions around health and body size, dives deep into the emotional and psychological toll of weight discrimination, and introduces the concept of 'body grief.' The discussion includes common fears that hinder radical body acceptance and highlights the importance of grieving the loss associated with societal body standards. Bri also explores the transition from pursuing weight loss for social privilege to embracing one's body through a lens of compassion and dignity. Join Bri on your body grief journey – you are not alone in this transformative process.

TIMESTAMPS 01:55 Challenging Conventional Health Beliefs 03:33 The Reality of Body Image and Health 04:25 Common Hurdles to Radical Body Acceptance 05:15 Litmus Tests for True Health Motivation 06:34 Personal Journey and Professional Insights 07:57 Understanding Body Positivity and Fat Phobia 08:41 Shocking Statistics on Body Image and Health 11:41 The Turning Point: Personal Therapy Experience 16:54 The Concept of Body Grief 22:24 The Path to Body Liberation 31:08 Navigating the In-Between: Body Grief and Healing 35:46 Conclusion: Starting with Body Grief

WANT MORE OF BRI? *Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri *Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/ *Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

In this episode of The Body Grievers Club, Bri sits down with therapist, drama therapist, and creative arts therapist Dani Bryant—a fat, neurospicy clinician from upstate New York and one of Bri's dear friends. Together they unpack the messy, beautiful intersection of neurodivergence, ADHD, body image, and body liberation.

Bri and Dani talk about what it means to work with your brain instead of against it—how perfectionism, masking, and executive dysfunction show up in everything from laundry to therapy notes. They explore the grief that comes with realizing your brain (and body) may never operate like everyone else's, and how to build systems, compassion, and community around that truth.

They also dig into the overlap between body liberation and neurodivergence, from shame and self-blame to the ways capitalism, ableism, and diet culture all demand conformity. Expect laughter, tangents, and a lot of "same, same" moments as they name what's hard, hilarious, and healing about existing in a brain and body that don't fit the mold.

If you've ever wondered whether you're "just lazy" or living in a world not built for you, this conversation will remind you: you're not broken. You're living in a system that wasn't designed with you in mind. And you deserve care that honors both your body and your brain.

TIMESTAMPS:

05:00 Interrupting, hyperfocus, and why voice memos help our brains

13:10 Pandemic clarity, fidgets, and "something's off" → assessment

16:00 Bri's "wait, do I have ADHD?" moment in real life

18:30 Executive dysfunction: notes, laundry, and tasks-within-tasks

22:10 Systems that fit you: redefining "done," micro-steps, and dopamine

25:10 Burnout cycles, urgency mode, and freeze vs. rest

27:50 Missed diagnoses in women/AFAB folks + masking as survival

30:40 ADLs with compassion: showers, brushing teeth, and ritual > routine

33:10 Habit stacking, duplicates (chargers everywhere), and shame as the enemy

36:00 All-or-nothing thinking, internalized ableism, and seeing ADHD as disability

39:00 Curiosity > criticism: Finch, allowances, novelty, and changing what no longer works

41:50 Interoception, meds, intuitive eating adaptations, and sleep/circadian quirks

45:00 Energy rhythms, gray-scale phone, capacity planning, and Mondays vs. Fridays

47:30 Boundaries, FOMO parts, and letting people be disappointed (community = annoyance sometimes)

50:10 Assessing "stay home or go?"—facts, context, and momentum vs. depletion

52:00 Culture check: conformity pressures (thinness, ableism) and finding your people

54:00 GLP-1s vs. stimulants: safety, autonomy, and why changing size ≠ changing beliefs

56:00 Spectrum ≠ line: the "pie chart" view + how presentation varies widely

RESOURCES:

Mentioned in this episode:

Love Dani Donovan's art and writing on ADHD:

Comics: https://www.adhddd.com/comics/

The Anti-Planner: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/122842465-the-anti-planner

KC Davis's Strugglecare: https://www.strugglecare.com/resources

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank:

www.newharbinger.com/9781684032617/a-radical-guide-for-women-with-adhd/ srsltid=AfmBOoqIlhzeA5jvKuvaBqnjZZcQUZeGo5LMRX1vThmBMYFM1pWa2Otn

Gifted kid with ADHD essay:

https://blackgirllostkeys.com/adhd/double-trouble-navigating-life-as-a-gifted-kid-with-adhd/

This person is writing about Neurocomplexity in a interesting way:

https://lindseymackereth.substack.com/

ADHD & Nutrition

@rds_for_neurodiversity

WANT MORE OF DANI BRYANT?

* Instagram: @danibtherapy

* Website: www.danibryant.com

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

In this episode of The Body Grievers Club, Bri sits down with Registered Dietitian and Certified Body Trust® Specialist Aaron Flores, RDN. They dig into how grief shows up in men's body image work, why "optimization culture" keeps so many dudes stuck, and what it really means to move from control to trust without the shame-fix-rush.

Bri and Aaron unpack the lifelong messages men receive about "fixing" their bodies, the pressure to perform masculinity, and the quiet grief of losing the hope of thinness, rippedness, or former abilities. They talk about straddling two ships, diet culture and body liberation, and why permission to be in the in-between is often the bridge to values-aligned change.

They also explore community as an antidote to isolation, how empathy (not fixing) rewires the story, and why acceptance = "the willingness to receive my body as it is." From Big Mouth's "shame wizard" to Yoda's wisdom, this convo uses metaphor to make the work doable. If you've ever felt like you should just "hack" your way to a better body, this episode offers a different path: zoom out, name the grief, and build trust - slowly, gently, on purpose.

TIMESTAMPS:

02:10 Aaron's story: from running a VA weight-loss program to Body Trust

06:05 Men, diagnosis, and why eating disorders are under-recognized

09:30 The two ships: straddling diet culture and body liberation

13:20 Masculinity, "optimization," and the illusion of control

17:45 Grief themes: anger, fear, urgency, shame—and moving without a rush

22:15 Community + witnessing: why healing must be seen to be felt

25:40 Body Trust basics: zooming out, C-level work, and self-compassion 2

9:20 Partners & attraction: unlearning beauty standards + holding your ground

33:10 Parenting & modeling: the relationship you want your kids to have with their bodies

36:00 Big Mouth's "shame wizard," parts work, and building new neural grooves

39:20 Star Wars metaphors: fear, the dark side, and choosing values over control

42:10 Final takeaways for dudes: your body isn't a project; find your people

RESOURCES:

Mentioned in this episode:

* Center for Body Trust® (rupture → reckoning → reclamation)

* Big Mouth (Netflix): The "shame wizard" metaphor

* Star Wars quotes & metaphors (Yoda, fear → suffering)

* Book: Manhood: The Bare Reality by Laura Dodsworth (photo essays + narratives)

* Aaron's 5-module body image course for dudes (via his website)

WANT MORE OF AARON FLORES, RDN?

* Instagram: @aaronfloresrdn

* Website: www.aaronfloresrdn.com

* Substack: The Unscripted Journey

* Podcast: Men Unscripted

WANT MORE OF BRI?

*Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

*Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

*7 Steps Guide from Body Grief to Body Acceptance

In this episode of The Body Grievers Club, Bri sits down with Registered Dietitian and Intuitive Eating Counselor Jenna Talleda. They talk about what it really looks like to advocate for yourself at the doctor's office. Together, they unpack the realities of weight stigma in healthcare, the pressure to shrink as a provider in a larger body, and the emotional labor of holding boundaries when your care is on the line.

Bri and Jenna name the hidden agendas behind routine weigh-ins, the harm of ignoring eating disorder histories, and the frustration of being gaslit by providers who reduce complex health concerns to a number on the scale. This conversation isn't just about weight. It's about agency, self-advocacy, and refusing to co-sign harmful narratives about your body.

They also explore the people-pleasing tendencies that make "no" so hard to say, why fawning is a trauma response, and how anger can sometimes be the most protective force in recovery. If you've ever left a doctor's office feeling dismissed, shamed, or unheard, this episode will remind you: you're not alone, and your boundaries matter.

TIMESTAMPS:

02:05 What weight stigma looks like in healthcare

05:20 Correlation vs. causation in weight + health

08:40 The pressure of being a provider in a larger body

12:10 Imposter syndrome + perfectionism in the work

15:45 Saying no at the doctor's office: Jenna's story

20:25 People-pleasing, fawning, and boundary holding

24:10 Anger as protection + why your boundaries matter

27:00 Advice for advocating for yourself at appointments

RESOURCES:

Other episodes mentioned:

Ep 29: Healing the Medical Narrative

Ep 36: Advocating For Yourself at the Doctor

Bri's Free Resource: 7-Step Guide to Shift Body Grief to Radical Body Acceptance

Get in Touch with Jenna HERE!

WANT MORE OF BRI?

Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri

Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

Join the Body Grievers VAULT: https://www.bodyimagewithbri.com/the-vault

Use the coupon code BODYGRIEVERSCLUB for $50 off your purchase.