The Body Grievers® Club

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.

In this solo episode of The Body Grievers Club, Bri gets real about the question she hears constantly: “Can I be fat and healthy?” She unpacks why “health” is not a moral scorecard, why definitions matter, and how fear and shame sneak into our health journeys. Drawing from her clinical background and lived experience, Bri reframes health as amoral, explores correlation vs. causation in weight research, and offers practical ways to pursue care without handing your humanity to a BMI chart. TIME STAMPS: 02:10 Why your personal definition of health matters 06:00 How medical fatphobia shows up and why health ≠ morality 13:20 What the research really says 16:00 Why food/movement is only 30% of the picture 20:45 Why “doing everything right” doesn’t guarantee health 27:10 Practical tips for navigating doctors 29:40 Exploring what it means to choose health behaviors (or not) without shame RESOURCES: Health Without Weight Loss (with Mackenzie Woolwich)Medical Fatphobia (with Ragen Chastain)Diagnosed With Diabetes: Coaching Through ShameHealing the Medical NarrativeAdvocating For Yourself at the DoctorBri's 7 Steps from Body Grief to Body Acceptance 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.

In this episode of the Body Grievers Club, Bri is joined by Toni Davis, an LPC and registered play therapist supervisor from Texas. Together, they discuss how play therapy can help children process emotions and develop a healthy body image. Toni emphasizes how important it is to involve parents in the therapeutic process and offers insights into talking about body image issues. They suggest various books and strategies for parents to teach body positivity and self-acceptance in children. The episode also covers the challenges clinicians face, including dealing with parents resistant to anti-fatness and how to address children's comments on body size. TIMESTAMPS 01:19 Body Image and Play Therapy 05:00 Addressing Food Rules and Fat Phobia 07:24 The Impact of Body Image on Children 16:28 Parental Influence on Body Image 20:32 Attachment Styles and Eating Disorders 24:12 Body Positive Books for Kids 26:25 Books for Parents on Body Positivity 32:13 Addressing Anti-Fatness in Parenting 37:35 Developing a Child's Sense of Self 44:51 Handling Comments on Body Size Books Referenced: Want more of Bri? BODYGRIEVERSCLUB Want more of Toni? Website: https://www.sapphirecovecounseling.com/

In this episode of The Body Grievers Club, Bri jumps into the complex emotions surrounding body image struggles and moving from body grief into radical body acceptance. She outlines her consistent, reliable method for navigating body image experiences and emphasizes the importance of gathering information, separating the story from the emotional distress, and building self-trust. Bri also discusses the role of grief as well as self-compassion in this process and offers advice on coping mechanisms, highlighting the power of community support in the journey towards body acceptance. TIMESTAMPS 02:02 Defining Body Grief and Radical Acceptance 03:09 Navigating Stressful Body Image 06:02 Medical Neglect and Vulnerability 10:01 Exploring Safety and Connection 19:16 Impactful Reframes 26:18 The Importance of Self-Esteem 28:49 Understanding Trauma Responses 30:50 The Seven-Step Framework 39:31 The Role of Grief in Healing 43:13 The Journey to Radical Body Acceptance 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.

In this episode of the Body Grievers Club, Bri is joined by Dr. Lisa Folden, a licensed physical therapist based in Charlotte, North Carolina, who specializes in trauma and eating disorder-informed care. Their discussion dives into the concept of 'grieving movement,' how people can find joy in movement, and break free from toxic diet culture. Dr. Folden also shares her insight on embracing weight neutral practices, intuitive movement, and the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of body healing. TIME STAMPS: 02:11 Personal Experiences with Body Grief 06:35 Debunking Myths About Movement 09:51 Intuitive Movement and Flexibility 17:24 Movement Snacks and Practical Tips 22:40 Finding Joy in Movement 24:08 The Importance of Consistency 27:04 Grieving Movement and Abilities 31:48 Acceptance and Compassion PODCAST RESOURCES: Dr. Lisa Folden on Instagram: @healthyphit Dr. Lisa Folden website: https://www.healthyphit.com/ Podcast with PT Danny Shapiro: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LPXeNoMEOZoh2BLWVh4Zl Body Scapegoating podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gGWTgTLYoPNMP9YClp09s Want more of Bri? Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

In this episode of the Body Grievers Club, Bri shares a personal story about the struggles of finding plus-size clothing, per her very own "Bathing Suit Gate". This story explores the emotional toll of fatphobia, systemic retail issues, and societal biases against larger bodies. Bri also identifies the need for radical body acceptance, encourages self-exploration, and shares strategies for coping with body image issues. The importance of reframing harmful thoughts, building healthier self-perceptions, and seeking community support to challenge and unlearn anti-fatness are highlighted throughout this episode as well. TIME STAMPS: 01:53 Bathing Suit Gate: The Story Begins 04:21 The Search for a Plus Size Bathing Suit 08:20 The Reality of Anti-Fatness 19:51 Books and Resources for Body Liberation 22:14 The Ladder of Beauty Standards 28:06 Navigating Body Image in Relationships and Coping Strategies Books Referenced: Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor Want more of Bri? Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

In this episode of the Body Grievers Club, hosts Bri and Jana welcome Margaret Dougherty, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to discuss her experiences with pregnancy as a person in a larger body. Margaret shares her journey toward body acceptance, the challenges she faced with medical professionals, and the lack of representation and support for plus-size pregnant women. They also discuss the importance of advocating for oneself in medical settings and the societal pressure on pregnancy. Despite the hardships, Margaret expresses the joy and fulfillment she feels as a new mother and emphasizes that every pregnancy experience is valid, regardless of body size. TIME STAMPS: 01:41 Margaret's Journey to Body Acceptance 03:42 Pregnancy Fears and Realities 04:43 Navigating Doctor's Appointments 10:49 The Fear of Gestational Diabetes 20:20 Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy Concerns 21:10 The Changing Relationship of Body Image and Pregnancy 23:21 Grief and Expectations of the Body During Pregnancy 26:18 Challenges with Plus-Size Maternity Clothing 28:38 Hospital Experiences and Systemic Issues 35:38 Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare Want more of Margaret? Instagram: @margaretd_lmft Want more of Bri? Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

In this episode of the Body Grievers Club, Bri and Jana invite Nicola Salmon, a fat-positive fertility coach and advocate, to discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals in larger bodies who seek to grow their families. Nicola shares her personal journey with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, and body advocacy. The conversation covers common myths about fertility and body size, ways to find supportive healthcare providers, and strategies to navigate medical appointments. Nicola emphasizes the importance of self-worth and community support while challenging diet culture's impact on health and fertility. Practical advice is given on advocating for oneself and nurturing physical and emotional health during the fertility journey. TIME STAMPS: 01:22 Nicola's Journey into Fat Positive Fertility 05:06 Challenges and Myths in Fat Fertility 10:48 Navigating Healthcare and Advocacy 26:16 Anti-Diet Approaches to Fertility 39:20 Final Thoughts and Resources Want more of Bri? Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/ Want more of Nicola? Instagram: @fatpositivefertility Website : www.nicolasalmon.co.uk Book: Fat and Fertile (available on Amazon)

In episode 71 of the Body Grievers Club, hosts Bri and Jana are joined by Hannah (they/them), a neurodiverse and gender-queer fitness professional. The group chats about Hannah's experiences with ADHD and potential autism, the challenges of body image, navigating diet culture, and how movement plays a vital role in managing stress and mental health. Additionally, Hannah highlights their community, the Body Liberation Playground, which fosters an inclusive and non-judgmental space for diverse abilities. Listeners are encouraged to embrace a trauma-informed approach to movement as well as to prioritize mental and emotional well-being over societal expectations when integrating exercise/movement into their lives. 01:39 Hannah's Journey Through Struggles with Diet Culture and Fitness 14:01 Reclaiming Body Autonomy through movement and self-compassion 18:35 Empowering Movement and Self-Compassion **reword 23:00 Practical Steps for Body Liberation 26:27 Movement as a Self-Awareness Tool 27:40 Trauma-Informed and Enjoyable Movement 32:39 Fitness Myths and Realities 37:03 Reclaiming Movement and Enoughness 41:17 Ways to Integrate Movement with Accomodations Want more of Hannah? Instagram: @hannahhusband Get a special discount for the Body Liberation Playground HERE: https://www.hannahhusband.com/bodyliberationplayground-bri Want more of Bri? Instagram: @bodyimagewithbri Website: https://bodyimagewithbri.com/

In episode 70 of The Body Grievers® Club, hosts Bri and Jana engage with opera singer and model Alex Frankel, founder of the Hot Fat Guy Club, to discuss topics such as body positivity, challenging societal biases, and redefining masculinity. The conversation covers personal journeys through weight cycling, battling body shame, and navigating traditional gender expectations from adolescence to adulthood. Key discussions highlight how to embrace self-confidence and authentic self-expression, strategies to cultivate confidence, and the significance of unconditional love and self-acceptance. 00:23 The Birth of the Hot Fat Guy Club 02:02 Body Image from a Male Perspective 05:46 Learning Body Hatred 09:31 The Role of Representation 13:32 Masculinity and Fatphobia 18:41 Positive Fat Male Role Models 23:11 Self-Confidence and Self-Worth 30:23 Creating an Alter Ego for Confidence 34:16 The Hot Fat Guy Club 36:31 Exploring Masculinity and Body Image FOLLOW ALEX: IG: ⁠alexfrankel_the_lionhaired⁠ + ⁠@hotfatguyclub⁠ TikTok: ⁠alexfrankel_the_lionhaired⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.hotfatguyclub.com/⁠ WORK WITH BRI: ⁠Click here ⁠for the most up to date ways to work with Bri!

In episode 69 of the Body Grievers® Club podcast, guest Jay Salazar (he/him), a TikTok educator known for his comedic and political content, discusses his experiences with bariatric surgery and then subsequent journey in finding food freedom This episode includes: 00:00 Trigger Warning and Introduction 02:33 Jay's Bariatric Surgery Journey 05:48 Post-Surgery Realizations and Food Freedom 11:40 Navigating Social Media and Criticism + Health Care 14:53 Navigating Healthcare Challenges 19:44 Facing Criticism and Finding Peace 22:14 Reflections on Body Image 24:24 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Acceptance To Find Jay's funny + insightful content, follow him: Instagram: @thejaysalazar_ TikTok: thejaysalazar WORK WITH BRI: Click here for the most up to date ways to work with Bri!

In episode 68 of The Body Grievers Club, hosts Bri and Jana welcome guest Lindley Ashline, a photographer and body liberation activist from Seattle. Lindley shares her journey towards becoming a fat positive advocate, influenced by her strong sense of justice rooted in her autism. The conversation covers her experiences with body image growing up, the importance of visibility for all body sizes, and overcoming 'picture grief.' Here’s what to expect from this episode: 02:03 Lindley's Journey to Fat Positivity 03:08 The Impact of Diet Culture 06:21 Discovering Fat Positivity Online 08:40 The Role of Justice in Body Liberation 12:50 The Power of Representation in Photography 21:59 Challenging Historical Erasure of Fat Bodies 24:58 Navigating Bias in Photography 26:35 Managing Grief Through Photography 27:51 Addressing Physical and Emotional Needs during photos 29:16 The Importance of Feeling Safe 30:02 Personal Experiences and Client Stories 32:52 The Value of Being in Photos 40:10 Preparing for a Photo Shoot 43:57 Resources and Final Thoughts Join Bri and Lindley in their collaborative picture grief masterclass, Unseen: How to Become Part of the Memories Again. This 75 min master class will dig deep into the emotional complexity and cultural layers of picture grief. Learn more about UNSEEN here. Save $10 with early bird code: BESEEN10 To work with Lindley Check out: https://bodyliberationphotos.com https://bodyliberationphotos.com/seenhttps://bodyliberationphotos.com/how-to-find-a-bodypositive-photographerhttp://bit.ly/bodyliberationguide "Images matter. They tell us what’s possible, what things go together, what belongs and what doesn’t belong. And we’re all just trying to belong somewhere.” To work with Bri: Click here for the most up to date ways to work with Bri!

WELCOME to Ep. 67 of the podcast! In this special episode of the Body Grievers Club, host Bri hot seat coaches herself on an IG LIVE where she addresses a significant body image hurdle following a trip from Costa Rica. She recounts her experience of refusing a wheelchair at the Miami airport despite needing one. This IG live turned podcast episode demonstrates the use of the very same CORE BELIEF framework that she uses with clients to explore her own body image hurdle. Here’s what to expect in this episode: 01:08 Exploring Core Beliefs and Internalized Ableism 10:08 Facing the fears of losing mobility ( PS *crying starts here*) 13:18 Bri’s movement story 16:14 Understanding the Head to Heart Disconnect And so much more! REGISTER FOR A FREE Webinar: Unavoidable Body Grief: Register Here

Welcome back to another episode of The Body Grievers Club! In the beginning of episode 66, I give you 2 questions for reflection. In episode 66, you will explore: We will delve FURTHER into this difficult topic in my FREE WEBINAR: UNAVOIDABLE BODY GRIEF. Join me as we explore this further and learn how to navigate and heal our relationship with our bodies so we can live our best, unapologetic, big beautiful life. Click here to join the free webinar.

Welcome to episode 65 of the Body Grievers Club. In this episode, hosts Bri and Jana welcome enneagram experts Becca + Mark on how exploring the Enneagram can help us understand our body image. Here's what to expect in this episode: Don't know your enneagram type? take the test here. To learn more about Mark follow him on instagram at @ennealifecoaching or go to his website: www.ennealifecoaching.com To learn more about Becca, follow her on instagram at @TakingBackTherapy or go to her website https://fullbloomcounseling.com/ To connect with Jana, message her @bodygrieversclub Click here for the most up to date ways to work with Bri!

Welcome back to another episode of the Body Grievers Club. In episode 64, I chat with my friend, client, and colleague Mackenzie Woolwich, a registered dietitian who helps intuitive eaters find health without weight loss. We discuss intuitive eating, body image, and how to navigate the complexities of health outside of diet culture. Here’s what to expect in the episode: CLICK HERE to get access to Mack’s Free Training, Shifting Your Desire for Weight Loss. Resources Mentioned: Body Scapegoating with Bonnie Roney Ep. Advocating for your self at the doctors Ep. Redefining Health Master Class Click here for the most up to date ways to work with Bri.

WELCOME TO EPISODE 63 of the Body Grievers® Club. In this solo episode, Bri interviews Sophie House, a NYC lawyer + researcher, and a Body Griever® graduate. In this episode we delve into: • the journey of saying goodbye to the dream of having a "perfect" body + societal expectations tied to body image • challenges of living in a larger body especially with weight bias in healthcare • the cost of existing in a living in a larger body but also how life can be bigger in a larger body • and the healing agents of community + healing your relationship with food We also discuss Sophie’s substack, "Making It Big," a newsletter aiming to amplify successful stories of individuals in larger bodies, promoting representation and celebrating achievements. Check out Bri’s feature in Making it Big. Resources: Body Grievers Group: Join the waitlist for the Body Grievers Group Body Image Bootcamp: Join the waitlist for Body Image Bootcamp [for providers] Making It Big Newsletter: Subscribe to Making it Big Substack Stacy Bias' Fat Archetypes: Stacy Bias’ Fat Archetypes I'm An Adult on TikTok: Fat History with im.an.adult Podcast Episode with Shanea: Listen to Podcast Ep. 58 Plus Size Love Make sure to subscribe to the Body Image Breakdown to get the JUICY deets for each episode.

Welcome to episode 62 of the Body Grievers Club! Today we are joined by friend + business Coach Jo White, a registered dietitian and business coach as we talk about talking up unapologetic space in the health + wellness field. Even if you aren't an entrepenuer, you may benefit from this episode, exploring what might it might look like to live your best, unapologetic life. This episode is a little different than our usual. Here's what we get into: If you are a health + wellness provider and you are watching my business from the sidelines and wondering -- how the f*ck does she do this, join my FREE WEBINAR: Burned Out: It's time to shift from burned out helper to bad ass CEO Other resources mentioned in this episode: Bri's Body Image Bootcamp for the providers Click here to get the Body Image Breakdown for Ep 62. Listen The Nutrition + Ambitious Podcast by Jo White

Welcome back to another episode of the Body Grievers Club! Today we are joined by Leah Kern, a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor, who is hosting a FREE PANEL on Summer Support. In this episode, we will discuss: JOIN US for A FREE PANEL featuring multidisciplinary anti-diet professionals to support you on your journey divesting from diet culture this summer. CLICK HERE TO JOIN. Resources mentioned in this episode: Shoulders DownBody Scapegoating Episode with Bonnie Roney Click here to get the body image breakdown of episode 61

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Body Grievers Club! In this UPDATED episode, I'm joined by my fat therapist friends as we dive deep into the world of body image, fat sex, and relationships within the realm of fat liberation. Grab your mug because the tea is HOT off the stove, where we will candidly chat all things body liberation! From society's messed-up standards to the challenges fat folks face in dating and intimacy, we're leaving no stone unturned. Key Topics Include: Join us as we delve into the nuances of body liberation and provide insights, practical tips, and resources for cultivating a healthier sex life and relationship with your body. THE GUESTS: Dani Bryant @danibtherapy https://www.danibryant.com/ Lauren Canonico @nyctherapywithLauren @affirmativetherapycollective http://Affirmativetherapycollective.com RESOURCES: EP. 46 Dating & Pleasure with Lily Womble EP. 57 My partner said they’re not attracted to me since I’ve gained weight Positions for Fat Sex in All of It's HolinessThe Ripped BodiceTo Love and Be Loved from the Fat PerspectiveYoga StrapsThe "Luggage Rack" Sex WedgeHeavy Duty Sex Swing Click here for the most up to date ways to work with Bri