Welcome to The Body Trust Podcast, a podcast about collective healing and the radical journey of body reclamation in a culture of anti-fatness, weight stigma, disordered eating and other traumas.
Hosted by Dana Sturtevant, Hilary Kinavey, and Sirius Bonner, The Body Trust Podcast will challenge prevailing views on food, bodies, weight, and health, and unpack how social justice intersects with body liberation. Each episode offers insights and stories to help you unlearn the b.s., deepen your roots into body trust, and make your healing bigger than you. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. We can’t wait to connect with you!
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In this Friday email series, we will share details about upcoming episodes, gather your feedback about what you’d like to learn about next, share behind-the-scenes content with you, and divvy out any juicy bits of info we had to cut from episodes.
Podcast Hosts
Dana Sturtevant (she/her) is a co-founder of the Center for Body Trust. She is a registered dietitian and motivational interviewing trainer whose work has focused on humanizing health care, advancing health equity, and advocating for food and body sovereignty. Since 2002, Dana has traveled around the country training helping professionals in communication and engagement strategies that lead to collaborative conversations about change. As a sought after speaker and writer, Dana is a champion for size-inclusive models of care and offers supervision, training, and consultation for helping professionals and health care organizations.
Hilary Kinavey (she/her) is a co-founder of the Center for Body Trust. Hilary is a therapist, healthcare consultant, facilitator and writer. Her 20+ years of work have been a study of what interrupts our sense of wholeness and how we can return to ourselves in a culture that profits from fragmentation. Hilary offers courses and gatherings about grief tending. She is also a beloved speaker and consultant, and offers trainings and consultation for fellow providers and organizations.
Sirius Bonner (she/her) is a passionate social justice leader and a noted presenter and facilitator. Her work focuses on the intersections between social justice issues such as racial oppression, reproductive justice, queer rights, health equity, anti-fat bias, educational equity, poverty, sexism, and liberation; recognizing that as we begin to untangle one issue, we can untangle them all. With a background in higher education nonprofits, Sirius is currently the executive director for INTERSECT, a gender justice organization in Oregon. You can get a better sense of Sirius’ work, here.
SHOW NOTES
Episode 1 – What is Body Trust?
Released 9.24.2024
In this introductory episode of The Body Trust podcast, hosts Dana, Hilary and Sirius delve into the concept of body trust, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing its role as a birthright. They discuss the societal and cultural factors that disrupt our natural relationship with our bodies and describe how body trust serves as a strength-based, trauma-informed healing modality. The conversation covers the narrative arc of body trust work, including the rupture, reckoning, and reclamation phases and highlights the importance of dismantling toxic diet culture and reclaiming body autonomy. The hosts also introduce their visual framework, a tree metaphor, to help illustrate the journey of deepening body trust. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on related topics, aiming to foster individual and collective liberation from ingrained societal standards around food, body size, and health.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- 00:12 Understanding Body Trust
- 01:02 Cultural Norms and Body Trust
- 02:37 Body Trust is a Birthright
- 03:37 Healing Relationships with Food and Body
- 04:18 Losing Trust in Our Bodies
- 05:52 The Impact of Diet Culture
- 06:39 Reclaiming Body Trust
- 15:33 The Narrative Arc of Body Trust
- 32:33 The Tree Metaphor for Body Trust
- 36:50 Final Thoughts
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Keen on taking a course or program? Our School for Unlearning holds monthly live webinars. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
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Episode 2 – Unpacking Diet Culture
Released 10.10.2024
In this episode of the Body Trust Podcast, hosts Dana, Hilary and Sirius discuss the pervasive and shape-shifting nature of diet culture. They delve into how diet culture subtly infiltrates daily life and the ways people might unknowingly adhere to it. The hosts highlight the historical and contemporary implications of diet culture, its intersection with white supremacy, racism, classism, and sexism, and how it affects different demographics including women, men, trans and nonbinary people. They also emphasize how diet culture impacts mental health, relationships with food, and body image. The conversation includes reflections on how medical advice and social biases perpetuate harmful behaviors and beliefs, and the commodification of diet culture through various industries. The episode underscores the importance of adopting a more inclusive and intersectional perspective and challenging societal acceptance of fatphobia.
Key takeaways from this episode:
- 00:20 Understanding Diet Culture
- 01:43 Diet Culture’s Impact on Society
- 05:06 Historical Context and Evolution
- 07:56 Diet Culture and Gender
- 10:09 Diet Culture and Health
- 27:44 Economic Influence of Diet Culture
- 35:47 Personal Reflections and Conclusion
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Keen on taking a course or program? Our School for Unlearning holds monthly live webinars. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Connect with Us
Website
Blog
Body Trust Tuesday Newsletter
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Instagram
Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 3 – Exploring the Normalization & Consequences of GLP-1’s
Released 10.22.2024
In this episode of the Body Trust Podcast, hosts Dana, Hillary and Sirius discuss all things GLP-1’s. The conversation covers the historical and contextual background of weight loss drugs, their evolving use from diabetes treatment to weight management, and their little-talked about potential risks and side effects. The hosts emphasize the importance of informed consent, highlight the societal and systemic issues surrounding weight loss culture, and critique the seductive marketing tactics of pharmaceutical companies. They also discuss the impact of these drugs on different communities and stress the significance of finding supportive communities that promote body inclusivity and challenge oppressive systems.
- 01:50 Informed Consent Concerns
- 07:31 Historical Context of Weight Loss Drugs
- 14:53 The Evolution of GLP-1 Medications
- 22:12 Compounded Versions and Risks
- 24:11 Healthcare Providers and Weight Loss Industry
- 29:01 Addressing the false comparison between Ozempic and antidepressants
- 30:46 The Cost and Accessibility of GLP-1 Medications
- 32:15 Racial Disparities in GLP-1 Access
- 35:28 The Influence of Social Media and Lived Experiences
- 37:24 Long-Term Effects and Data Gaps
- 38:50 The Marketing Tactics of Weight Loss Solutions
- 40:46 Fat Voices Missing in the Conversation
- 42:56 The Seductive Nature of Weight Loss Drugs
- 44:49 Systemic Issues and Body Trust
- 53:31 The Importance of Community Support
RESOURCES
- GLP-1 Agonist Informed Consent Project
- Let’s Talk About Weight Loss Injectables
- NYC Neighborhoods Getting Even Thinner on Ozempic
- Ozempictown
- Weight & Healthcare
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Keen on taking a course or program? Our School for Unlearning holds monthly live webinars. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Connect with Us
Website
Blog
Body Trust Tuesday Newsletter
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Instagram
Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 4 – Navigating Body Trust in the Ozempic Era
Released 11.5.2024
In this episode, Dana, Hilary and Sirius discuss the effects of GLP-1’s within the context of body trust and diet culture. They unpack the seduction of these drugs amid rising conversations around bodies and fatness, highlighting the harmful collaboration between the weight loss and eating disorder treatment industries. The hosts reflect on the stigmas and limitations of weight loss interventions. They emphasize the need for better research and more honest marketing to help folks make more informed decisions, and most importantly, they underline the urgency for community and safe spaces in which folks can address their relationship to food and body.
- 00:25 Discussing Body Trust in the Ozempic Era
- 03:48 The correlation between the weight loss industry and eating disorders
- 10:22 Dissecting the idea of “food noise”
- 27:01 Exploring psychological Impacts of diet culture
- 29:14 Obsession with weight as a distraction from psychological pain
- 29:46 Malnutrition and eating disorders encouraged and overlooked in larger folks
- 31:02 Weight Loss Medications and Their Consequences
- 35:46 The Seductive Nature of GLP-1 Medications
- 49:04 The Role of Community in Body Trust
- 54:36 Concluding Thoughts
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our School for Unlearning holds monthly live webinars. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Connect with Us
Website
Blog
Body Trust Tuesday Newsletter
Facebook
Instagram
Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 5 – Navigating Family, Boundaries, & Diet Culture During Holidays
Released 11.19.2024
In this episode, Dana, Hilary, and Sirius discuss the challenges of maintaining body trust during holiday gatherings, particularly when faced with weight stigmatization and diet culture pressures. They explore strategies for setting boundaries, managing difficult family dynamics, and the importance of grief and self-preservation practices. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of societal expectations and the impact of the 2024 U.S. Election on family relationships. The episode concludes with practical advice and emphasizes the significance of community and support systems in navigating these complex interactions.
- 01:39 Navigating Family Gatherings and Weight Stigma
- 03:32 The Impact of Political Climate on Family Dynamics
- 05:01 Coping with Disordered Eating During the Holidays
- 06:44 The Cultural Significance of Food and Gatherings
- 10:55 Humor and Directness in Family Interactions
- 14:58 Setting Boundaries with Family
- 24:07 Gray Rock Technique and Managing Narcissists
- 28:07 Navigating Conversations on Body Size
- 28:43 The Role of Social Location in Addressing Harmful Comments
- 29:29 White Supremacy and Conflict Avoidance
- 30:10 Reclaiming Agency and Voice Through Body Trust
- 30:58 Holiday Gatherings and Family Dynamics
- 33:38 Handling Difficult Conversations and Setting Boundaries
- 38:11 The Importance of Community and Self-Preservation
- 41:28 Practical Tips for Navigating Family Gatherings
- 49:42 Concluding Thoughts and Affirmations
- 52:38 It’s Worth It: A Poem by La’Aaron Alta
REFERENCES
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our School for Unlearning holds monthly live webinars. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
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Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 6 – Q&A: Debunking Weight Loss Myths
Released 12.3.2024
In this episode, Dana, Hillary, and Sirius answer listener questions about weight loss and its complexities. They discuss the inefficacy of sustainable weight loss, the psychological and physiological impacts, and the harms of weight cycling. The conversation delves into cultural myths and biases surrounding weight, the problematic nature of attempting to address trauma through weight loss, and the importance of embracing body diversity. They highlight systemic issues within the medical community that enforce weight loss on people in larger bodies and emphasize the necessity of dismantling these oppressive structures to improve the quality of life for all.
- 02:08 Listener Questions and Common Concerns
- 02:49 The Complexities of Weight Loss
- 03:18 Scientific Insights on Weight Loss
- 04:32 Cultural and Psychological Impacts
- 07:37 Systemic Issues and Medical Bias
- 21:48 Personal Stories and Experiences
- 30:47 The Bigger Picture and Final Thoughts
- 32:00 Discovering Body Acceptance
- 32:46 Creating Safe Spaces
- 33:50 Challenging Internal Voices
- 35:47 Curating Your Environment
- 36:51 Naming and Addressing Food Voices
- 42:02 The Impact of Societal Standards
- 52:18 Trauma and Body Size
- 01:00:44 Conclusion and Further Questions
REFERENCES
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our School for Unlearning holds monthly live webinars. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
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Website
Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 7 – Health & Weight are not Correlated: A Critical Examination
Released 12.17.2024
In this episode of the Body Trust Podcast, hosts Sirius Bonner, Dana, and Hilary discuss The Anti Resolution Revolution. They explore how New Year’s resolutions are often rooted in fatphobia and healthism and the importance of integrating body trust into this period. They share insights on why many people resort back to old dieting habits and how these are not sustainable for long-term well-being. The conversation delves into the cultural shifts around resolutions, the impact of diet culture, and offers alternative ways to approach self-care and community well-being without falling into the traps of toxic wellness culture. The episode encourages listeners to adopt more compassionate, flexible, and body-positive practices for the new year.
- 00:43 Challenging New Year’s Resolutions
- 01:24 The Shift in Resolution Culture
- 02:35 The Impact of Diet Culture
- 08:56 The Biggest Loser and Its Consequences
- 15:28 Workplace Wellness Programs
- 31:17 Reclaiming Health and Wellness
- 48:10 Body Trust as a Practice
- 51:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
RESOURCES
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our GLP-1 Webinar Series is coming up in January. Learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Send us your thoughts/questions.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
Newsletter
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Website
Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 8 – Challenging New Year’s Resolutions: Embracing a Body Trust Approach
Released 12.31.2024
In this episode of the Body Trust Podcast, hosts Sirius Bonner, Dana, and Hilary discuss The Anti Resolution Revolution. They explore how New Year’s resolutions are often rooted in fatphobia and healthism and the importance of integrating body trust into this period. They share insights on why many people resort back to old dieting habits and how these are not sustainable for long-term well-being. The conversation delves into the cultural shifts around resolutions, the impact of diet culture, and offers alternative ways to approach self-care and community well-being without falling into the traps of toxic wellness culture. The episode encourages listeners to adopt more compassionate, flexible, and body-positive practices for the new year.
- 00:43 Challenging New Year’s Resolutions
- 01:24 The Shift in Resolution Culture
- 02:35 The Impact of Diet Culture
- 08:56 The Biggest Loser and Its Consequences
- 15:28 Workplace Wellness Programs
- 31:17 Reclaiming Health and Wellness
- 48:10 Body Trust as a Practice
- 51:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our GLP-1 Webinar Series is coming up in January – learn more here. Our 2025 Body Trust Certification Cohort begins March 13th – learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Send us your thoughts/questions.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
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Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 9 – Practicing Healthcare from a Weight Inclusive Lens
Released 1.14.25
In this episode Dana, Sirius, and Hilary discuss the importance and implementation of practicing healthcare from a weight inclusive perspective. They explore terminology such as weight inclusive and size inclusive, and dive into what a weight inclusive model of care looks like compared to a weight normative approach. They also talk about connecting weight inclusive care with health equity, the challenges facing healthcare providers, and the systemic issues perpetuated by weight-centric models of care. Real-life examples and personal stories highlight the harm caused by weight stigma in medical settings, emphasizing the need for an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate approach in healthcare. The conversation further covers the importance of community and support for providers advocating for change.
- 01:08 Terminology and Definitions
- 02:05 Weight Normative vs. Weight Inclusive Paradigms
- 04:59 Challenges and Misconceptions
- 07:04 Personal Experiences and Examples
- 09:48 Weight Neutrality in Practice
- 14:58 Systemic Issues in Healthcare
- 22:27 Intersectionality and Healthcare Bias
- 26:17 The Weight Gain Dilemma During Pregnancy
- 26:56 Challenging Deep-Rooted Anti-Fat Bias in Healthcare
- 30:34 The Importance of Community and Support
- 32:32 Rethinking Weight as a Health Metric
- 35:13 The Impact of Weight Bias on Medical Treatment
- 43:42 Connecting Weight Inclusivity to Health Equity
- 51:55 Encouraging Change in Healthcare Systems
RESOURCES
- The Weight-Inclusive vs. Weight-Normative Approach to Health
- Weight & Healthcare Newsletter
- Directory of Certified Body Trust Specialists
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our 2025 Body Trust Certification Cohort begins March 13th – learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Send us your thoughts/questions.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
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Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 10 – Almond Moms, Biohacking Dads & Lineages of Harm
Released 1.29.25
In this episode hosts Hilary, Dana, and Sirius delve into the pervasive influences of diet culture, focusing on two distinct yet interconnected phenomena: “almond moms” and “biohacking dads”. They discuss the normalization of disordered eating practices within families, the broader societal impacts, and the roots of these behaviors. They also explore how these roles reinforce traditional gender norms and examine the intersections with class, health misconceptions, and systemic issues. This episode offers a critical look at how cultural obsessions with control and health manifest in harmful ways, impacting not just individuals but entire communities and generations.
- 00:46 Context of Current Events
- 01:20 Defining Almond Moms
- 01:41 Personal Experiences with Almond Moms
- 03:33 Impact of Almond Moms on Families
- 15:39 Biohacking Dads and Silicon Valley
- 22:39 Cultural Implications of Biohacking
- 25:33 Silicon Valley Biohacking Dangers
- 26:45 Parenting and Food Anxiety
- 28:30 Diet Culture and Children’s Eating Habits
- 30:38 Generational Food Practices
- 34:03 Gender Norms and Biohacking
- 36:10 The Tradwife Movement
- 43:24 Class, Labor, and Traditional Roles
- 46:22 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Feedback
RESOURCES
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our 2025 Body Trust Certification Cohort begins March 13th – learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Send us your thoughts/questions.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
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Website
Produced by Wowow Podcasts
Episode 11 – Navigating Chaos & Strengthening Community in Turbulent Times
Released 2.11..25
In this episode of The Body Trust Podcast, hosts Hilary, Dana, and Sirius unpack their feelings and responses to Trump’s presidency. The episode discusses the emotional weight of recent and near-future political events, including the potential withdrawal of federal support for programs like WIC. The hosts explore the emotional and psychological ramifications of these changes, touching on themes of grief, destabilization, and the urgent need for radical imagination and community support. They emphasize the importance of creativity, activism, and standing up for those more vulnerable. The discussion also highlights the systemic issues rooted in white supremacy and the need for multiple, coordinated approaches to activism.
- 02:00 Discussing deviating from usual body trust topics to discuss US politics
- 03:30 The current and future impacts of Federal Funding Cuts
- 05:19 Emotional and Psychological Effects of the new administration
- 07:36 Historical Context and Current Events
- 16:12 The Role of Whiteness and Power in reinstating Trump
- 28:04 Activism needs Radical Imagination and Creativity
- 30:15 Call to Action and Collective Effort
- 46:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
RESOURCES
Thanks for listening! Let us know what you thought through the social channels below, and please leave a review so that like-minded people can find us.
Looking for community? Our 2025 Body Trust Certification Cohort begins March 13th – learn more here.
For more on all of our offerings, click here.
Send us your thoughts/questions.
CONNECT WITH US
Support the Podcast
Newsletter
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Produced by Wowow Podcasts