Podcasts about Body image

In this powerful episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore takes a deep dive into one of the most important (and personal) topics discussed in our community—negative self-talk. Are you your own harshest critic? Do you find it easy to be kind to others but unbearable when it comes to your own reflection? This episode is for you! Heather openly explores the critical inner dialogue that many of us experience, especially on our journeys toward body image freedom. She addresses where negative self-talk comes from, why it's so hard to stop, and shares practical steps to start recognizing, writing down, and confronting those mean inner phrases that hold us back. What You'll Learn: How negative self-talk becomes a habit The spiritual and emotional roots of self-criticism Why simply "thinking positive" isn't enough Practical tips for noticing, documenting, and challenging negative thoughts How to find community and encouragement on the road to body kindness How our deep-seated beliefs shape the way we treat ourselves Key Takeaways: You can't stop negative self-talk until you notice it—awareness is the first step. Much of our negative inner dialogue stems from lies we’ve adopted as truth, often rooted in our childhood or from past hurtful comments. Community and vulnerability are vital; you’re not alone, and healing often grows in connection with others. Action Steps: Start tuning into your self-talk. Notice and write down the harsh words you’re telling yourself. Reflect: What’s stuck with you—and who put it there? Visit the Compared to Who? community at www.waitingforweightloss.com to share your story and receive support from others on the same journey. Challenge those hurtful statements with what God says about you. Links & Resources: Join the community: waitingforweightloss.com Learn more about the 40-Day Body Image Workbook and interactive journey Stay tuned for Heather Creekmore’s new book, coming in 2027! Rate & Review:If this episode resonated with you, please rate and review this podcast and share it with a friend who needs encouragement! Ready to ditch the inner critic and start your journey to body image freedom? Tune in now! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, Christina and Brittany are having one of those honest, unfiltered conversations. The kind where you talk about what's actually happening in your body… how aging really feels… and why health can't sit at the bottom of the priority list anymore. They dive into inflammation and how it quietly impacts everything from energy to long-term disease, the growing conversation around peptides and recovery, and the reality of navigating wellness in a world where “nothing feels real anymore.” This episode is about taking your health seriously. About discipline. About gratitude. About choosing to live in a way that doesn't leave you with regret. If you're building a life, a career, a family — none of it works if your health falls apart. This is real talk on movement, mindset, nutrition, recovery, and what it means to age with intention. We don't shy away from the skepticism. We don't pretend we have it all figured out. But we do believe this: Health is non-negotiable. About Brittany and Christina: Meet Brittany and Christina, your dynamic podcast hosts who bring their unique blend of expertise, passion, and life experience to every conversation. Brittany, affectionately known as Britt, mom, mommy, bruh, and Queen, lives in Vancouver with her husband and their three fantastic kids (tweens and teens, hence the playful nicknames). Together for nearly two decades, Brittany and her husband share a love for travel and adventure. A self-proclaimed endurance sport junkie, Brittany thrives on pushing herself beyond her comfort zone to unlock her full potential. As a coach, she specializes in helping clients overcome overwhelm by aligning personal goals and values with actionable steps for success. Her greatest joys come from connecting with new people and witnessing their incredible achievements. Christina Lecuyer, a former professional golfer and TV host, is recognized as one of GlobeNewswire's Top Confidence Coaches. She works with clients worldwide, including entrepreneurs, Wall Street executives, stay-at-home moms, and small business owners. Through her signature "Decision, Faith & Action" framework, Christina has guided thousands of clients in creating their own versions of fulfillment and success, often leading to thriving six- and seven-figure businesses. Her 1-on-1 coaching model focuses on mindset and strategy to build self-trust, confidence, and long-term results. Together, Brittany and Christina bring their authentic, energetic, and empowering perspectives to help listeners navigate life, achieve their goals, and embrace their fullest potential.   Feeling like you want to share a hot topic you'd like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us a DM over on Instagram at @anythingbutaveragepod. Your hot topic just might make it in the next episode!

If you're a Christian woman struggling with body image, food, or feeling at peace in your body, this devotional will help you understand what's really happening. What feels like a physical struggle is often rooted in a deeper spiritual battle affecting your focus, your identity, and your peace. Instead of trying harder or blaming yourself, this devotional will help you see your struggle through the truth of God's Word so you can stop fighting yourself and begin standing in the spiritual authority God has already given you. In this Christian devotional, you'll reflect on: • Why your body image struggle is not just physical • How spiritual distraction weakens your peace and focus • What Scripture teaches about your identity and spiritual protection • How standing in truth brings peace, confidence, and freedom • A powerful reflection to help you realign your mind with God's truth When you understand the nature of this battle, you stop striving and start walking in peace, stewardship, and alignment with God. Next Steps Are you ready to go all in with God in your health journey? Could you use a step-by-step plan that puts Jesus at the center of how you care for your body? I'm currently offering live Thursday coaching calls where you can receive accountability, prayer, encouragement, and direct guidance so you can stay rooted, consistent, and spiritually strong. Join us inside the Fit God's Way 30-Day Transformation ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/fit-gods-way-course This devotional is part of the Strong. Confident. His. podcast, where faith and fitness come together to help you renew your mind, strengthen your body, and walk confidently in who God created you to be. If this episode spoke to your heart today, please share it with a friend who needs that same encouragement. You can also help me reach more women by leaving a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. Every review helps someone else find hope, healing, and strength in Jesus. With so much love, Remember, You are Strong. Confident. His. Kim Dolan Leto   Listen or Watch the Strong. Confident. His. Podcast.: Apple ➞ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-confident-his-christian-fitness-health-and/id1504962677 Spotify ➞ https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ymer79UOqIbItrwPJErxC YouTube ➞ https://www.youtube.com/kimdolanletofit All Episodes ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/podcast Connect with Me Newsletter ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/get-on-the-list Website ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com Instagram ➞ https://instagram.com/kimdolanleto Facebook ➞ https://facebook.com/kimdolanleto YouTube ➞ https://youtube.com/kimdolanletofit Podcast ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/strong-confident-his-podcast Shop ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/shop

Episode #162 

Welcome back to the "Compared to Who?" podcast! In today’s episode, host Heather Creekmore continues the Waiting for Weight Loss series, taking us through the third "exhale": Establishing Your Purpose. Episode Highlights: Heather Creekmore gets real about her longtime struggle with believing that she needed to “fix” her body before stepping into her God-given purpose. She addresses the misconception that physical appearance is necessary for spiritual effectiveness, referencing Biblical truths and reflecting on Jesus’ own earthly life. Do you ever feel like your body is an accident or a barrier to God’s plans? Heather dives deep into the theological roots of these beliefs and encourages listeners to release them. Discover why God intentionally created your body for HIS purposes—not your goal weight, not your own timeline—and how the idea of stewardship is often misunderstood. Real talk about shifting your focus: from waiting for weight loss to living out your calling, right now. Listen for practical encouragement: Heather leads a breathing exercise to help you exhale the pressure and inhale purpose. Key Takeaways: God’s purpose for your life is not on hold until you hit a certain weight or achieve a certain look. Your body was intentionally crafted, and you can embrace your calling today. Stewardship of your body matters, but it shouldn’t overshadow all other gifts and stewardship principles—in fact, there’s no direct Biblical command to be a “good steward” of your body above all else. The more you step into your purpose and gifting, the more you’ll find peace with your body image. Join the Community! What stood out to you in today’s episode? Has waiting for weight loss ever made you put off something God is asking you to do? Share your story and join the conversation with others who are also letting go of the wait. Visit waitingforweightloss.com and become part of our supportive community today! Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, and leave your feedback on the episode—we’d love to hear from you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The country superstar Luke Combs sits down with Joe and Jon ahead of the release of his sixth album, “The Way I Am.” Combs opens up about his journey to Nashville success (including “healthy competition” with Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan) and his mission to make huge hits again after spending the past couple years away from the spotlight.  Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Outlouders, enjoy this free bite of Mia Freedman. Catch the full conversation — Oh Sh*t. We Let Creeps Decide Our Beauty Standards — at 5 pm TODAY. Not a subscriber yet? Put matters right HERE. When a newsletter has the internet in a chokehold, you better believe that Mia Freedman has to unpack it. And so it is with the recent Substack from Jameela Jamil. Writing from what Jamil calls the "funeral of the body positivity movement," she posits a theory that is as provocative as it is dark: that the obsession with extreme thinness, hairlessness, and agelessness isn't just about vanity — it’s a standard designed to mimic the aesthetics of children. Jessie and Holly join Mia to dive deep into the sinister framework of the 'sexy baby' trope, questioning why grown women are taught to spend their lives trying to get back to a body they had at thirteen. Is the 'Epstein-ness' of this current cultural moment exposing a wider fetishisation of youth among the world's most powerful men? Or is Jamil's critique of the homogenised look of our favourite female stars—from Sabrina Carpenter to Taylor Swift—unfairly judging their "sparkly underpants" choice? "Your body is not meant to look the same at 28 as it did at 18." Is it time to reclaim our waistlines, our wrinkles, and our right to look like grown-ass women? Mia has thoughts — and we're pretty sure you do too. Remember, this is your free sample of today's subs episode. The full debrief drops for subscribers at 5pm. What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: "I'm A Working Mum & I Just Want To Quit" Listen: Mia & Amelia On CBK: The Clothes, The Curse, The Love Story Listen: Prince William Has Entered The Chat Listen: The New Dating Rule That Blew Up A Comments Section Listen: 'Prince' Andrew's Arrest Is Not What You Think It Is Listen: Angelina Jolie & The Existential Threat Of Desirable Older Women Listen: MAFS & The Specific Cruelty of the ‘Sexual Chemistry’ Question Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Watch Australia's #1 podcast, Mamamia Out Loud: Mamamia Out Loud on YouTube What to read: Jameela Jamil's Substack: Ah shit! We let pedophiles decide our beauty standards. Britney Spears, Brooke Shields and the 'criminal' interviews child stars don't want us to forget. Chappell Roan can take a stand, we apparently just need her to suffer a bit first. 'You’re routinely underestimated.' The 9 untold benefits of being an ugly child. Sarah says she has 'ugly privilege'. Okay, it's time we talk about the thing we're all too scared to talk about. THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloudBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You don't have to love your body every second of every day to have a healthy relationship with it. Ryann, Sabrina, and Jess unpack what body image and why it can shift by the hour. They revisit the body positivity wave of 2020, talk about why forced affirmations can feel hollow, and explore why body neutrality tends to be a more sustainable place to land. Instead of trying to convince yourself you love everything you see in the mirror, they make the case for acceptance first. The conversation weaves through social media, diet culture, GLP-1s, unsolicited body comments, and the quiet ways comparison creeps back in. They dig into body checking, the "I'll be happy when…" trap, and why chasing an old version of yourself rarely delivers what you think it will. You'll also hear how stress, sleep, hormones, and under-eating can magnify negative body image days, and why going into a calorie deficit isn't always the solution your brain thinks it is. Most importantly, they share practical ways to start shifting your internal dialogue. If you've ever tied your happiness to a number on the scale or pant size, this episode is a reminder that you can't hate yourself into lasting change. And that bad body image days are rarely about your body in the first place. Black Iron Nutrition Book a Free Discovery Call Free Macro Calculator Free Downloads Black Iron Blog

After a year of headlines, heartbreak, and healing, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia is stepping into a whole new era. One of Barstool's most prominent female voices, host of her relaunched Plan Bri Uncut, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit feature, and Fox's Special Forces alum, Brianna joins Vic to open up about surviving a very public breakup, redefining closure, and rebuilding her relationship with herself. She gets candid about her anxiety-induced eating disorder, the truth about gaining weight in a world obsessed with shrinking, and what it really took to become healthy again. From solo trips to Scotland that helped her rediscover her personality to hard truths about being “selfish” in your healing season, this episode is a masterclass in moving forward with confidence. If you've ever struggled with heartbreak, body image, people-pleasing, or finding your spark again, this one will hit home!Connect with Bri:Instagram: @briannalapaglia and @planbriuncutTikTok: @ihatebriannachickenfry// SPONSORS //Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at premierprotein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. Vuori: Go to vuori.com/realpod to receive 20% off your first purchase and enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns.Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com. CozyEarth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code REALPOD for up to 20% off.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to the Compared to Who? podcast and our ongoing series, Waiting for Weight Loss. In today’s episode, Heather Creekmore shares a powerful story about a time when her identity—literally—was stolen, setting the stage for an honest discussion about our true identity in Christ. Episode Highlights: Heather Creekmore opens up with a personal experience of being mugged and losing her physical identification, making the connection to how many of us “lose” our spiritual identity while chasing the approval of others or pursuing body goals. She asks: Has your identity been stolen—figuratively—by misplaced priorities, societal pressures, or the pursuit of weight loss? We explore the idea that any identity outside of Christ is a “fake ID,” and discuss what it means to rest in our adoption as daughters (and sons) of God. Heather Creekmore unpacks how our attempts to earn love and acceptance through appearance or achievements are distractions from the Gospel. The healthiest approach to weight loss and goals? Pursuing them from a place of already being fully loved and accepted, not from a place of insecurity or striving to earn worth. Reflection Questions: What “fake IDs” have you been carrying? How would your approach to your body and your goals change if you truly believed your identity was already secure in Christ? Check out Episode on Boasting Here Join the Community!Join the conversation! Heather Creekmore invites you to become part of our supportive community at waitingforweightloss.com. Share your story, connect with others, and discover what it means to pursue your goals from a place of true security and love. Don’t walk this journey alone—head over to waitingforweightloss.com, join the community, and let’s cut up those “fake IDs” together! Thank you for listening—see you in the community! *learn more about Compared to Who? at https://www.improvebodyimage.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

keywordsEating Disorder Awareness, Mental Health, Body Image, Running, Therapy, Prevention, Cultural Influences, Personal Stories, Nutrition, Self-Love summaryIn this episode, Carina discusses the significance of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, sharing her personal journey with eating disorders and the cultural influences that contribute to body image issues. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing eating disorders in others, the role of therapy, and the impact of running on her recovery. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggle with eating disorders and the need for prevention and awareness in future generations. takeawaysEating disorders are often misunderstood and not just about vanity.Cultural pressures can significantly influence body image and eating behaviors.Personal experiences with eating disorders can provide valuable insights for others.Therapy and hospitalization can be crucial in recovery from eating disorders.Recognizing the signs of eating disorders in others is essential for intervention.Running can be both a coping mechanism and a trigger for eating disorders.Preventing eating disorders requires awareness and open conversations.The consequences of under-fueling can be severe and long-lasting.Recovery from eating disorders is a complex and ongoing process.Spreading awareness about eating disorders can help reduce stigma and promote healing.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eating Disorder Awareness Week03:15 Understanding Eating Disorders Beyond Vanity06:29 Personal Journey with Eating Disorders09:19 Cultural Influences on Eating Disorders12:24 The Role of Therapy and Hospitalization15:17 Recognizing Eating Disorders in Others18:23 The Connection Between Running and Eating Disorders21:27 Preventing Eating Disorders in Society24:37 The Impact of GLP-1 Medications27:34 Physical and Emotional Consequences of Eating Disorders30:17 The Ongoing Struggle with Eating Disorders33:15 Conclusion and Call to Action35:49 RFF Outro 45.wav

S7: Ep.1- Meditation on Body Image & Uncertainty

Send a textMost people think body image is about weight.It's not.Body image is about the story you learned about yourself — often long before you understood what calories or cellulite even were.In this episode, we explore:What body image actually is (and why it's not just about the mirror)How childhood experiences shape the way you see yourselfWhy we often perceive our bodies inaccuratelyThe emotional triggers that intensify body dissatisfactionWhy self-criticism doesn't create sustainable weight lossWhy even people who lose weight — including those using GLP-1 medications — can still feel deeply unhappy in their bodiesIf you've ever believed:“I'll feel better about myself when I'm thinner,” this episode gently challenges that idea.This is not about forced body positivity.It's about understanding the psychology behind body image — and learning how to stop letting it quietly run your life.Because your life is happening now.Not ten kilos from now.Thanks for listening, I hope this episode will be helpful.Philippe

The Fear of Aging and Body Image isn't really about wrinkles, weight, or appearance. It's about something much deeper.In this episode, we explore how anxiety around aging and body image issues are often rooted in the fear of rejection and the need for approval. When we believe we're only acceptable if we look a certain way, we begin changing ourselves to feel safe — not authentic.

"By age 40, one in five women has dealt with an eating disorder—twice the rate we see by age 21." – Harvard UniversityWhile society often frames eating disorders as a struggle for teenagers, the reality is that women in midlife are increasingly vulnerable. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Pope addresses the "silent epidemic" affecting millions of women as they navigate the convergence of hormonal shifts, body image pressures, and life transitions.As we continue our New Year's series on weight management and GLP-1 medications, Dr. Pope is joined by internationally recognized expert Dr. Lucene Wisniewski. Together, they discuss the thin line between a healthy focus on nutrition and the onset of disordered eating. Why do perimenopause and menopause create a "biological window of risk"? How do we distinguish between "discipline" and "obsession"?Dr. Lucene Wisniewski, PhD, FAED, is a leader in eating disorder treatment and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with nearly 30 years of experience. She provides a compassionate, evidence-based look at how women can protect their mental health while pursuing physical wellness.In this episode, we discuss: The Hormonal Connection: Why the menopause transition is a high-risk period for both relapses and "de novo" (new) eating disorders. Effective vs. Rigid Eating: Moving away from black-and-white "food rules" toward a flexible, social, and balanced relationship with fuel. Red Flags in Midlife: How to identify signs of preoccupation, body checking, and the moralization of food. The "Binge-Restrict" Cycle: Why "not eating" is often the biggest trigger for out-of-control eating. Tracking Apps & Tech: When tools like macro-trackers stop being helpful and start becoming a "life stance." ARFID in Adults: Understanding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and how it differs from traditional anorexia. Supporting Others: How to broach a conversation with a friend or family member without causing shame (and why you should never do it at the dinner table).National Resources for Help: NEDA Helpline: (800) 931-2237 Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 ANAD Helpline: (888) 375-7767About Our Guest:Dr. Lucene Wisniewski is the Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of the Center for Evidence-Based Treatment (CEBT). She is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University.Connect with Dr. Wisniewski: Website: cebtohio.comConnect with Dr. Rachel Pope: Website: ourwomanity.com Social Media: @drrachelpope

In this episode of Compared to Who?, Heather Creekmore invites listeners to take a deeply-needed exhale from the relentless messages around body image and self-worth that the world sends our way. Building on the "Waiting for Weight Loss" series, Heather opens up about her own struggles with feeling valuable through fitness and body changes, and the letdown that follows when external goals don’t bring the internal peace we’re promised. Heather dives into the concept of "monetized insecurity"—the way industries profit from our feelings of inadequacy—and breaks down why finding your worth in God, not in weight loss or body perfection, is the only path that leads to real security and rest. You’ll walk away with: Practical breathwork exercises for grounding and relaxation A guided prayer for internalizing your true value An honest look at cultural lies vs. God’s unchanging truth about your worth Reflective questions to revisit whenever you need a reminder that you are already loved, worthy, and enough Key Question: Whose message is easier for you to believe: monetized insecurity or God's message of worth beyond what you measure? Call to Action Ready to break free from the pressure and join a supportive, faith-based community on your journey? Join the Waiting for Weight Loss Community—it’s totally free! Connect with others for real conversations, encouragement, and support as you dig into what it means to find worth beyond the scale.

*Disclaimer* This episode contains adult content and is not recommended for young listeners.   284. DON'T MISS THIS! Controversial Sex Questions, Answered with Dr. Juli Slattery   1 Samuel 24:19b NIV “May the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today.”   *Transcription Below*   Bio: Instagram Facebook Authentic Intimacy Website Java with Juli Podcast   Thank you to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Questions and Topics We Cover: As Christ followers, should we use a friend's preferred names and pronouns? If one part of Scripture talks about turning the other cheek, is that the same as saying God expects you to stay in an abusive marriage? Is it reasonable to assume that once they have a smartphone, 100% of kids will be exposed to pornography?   Previous Episodes on Sexual Intimacy on The Savvy Sauce, Including Past Episodes with Dr. Juli Slattery: Fostering a Fun, Healthy Sex Life with your Spouse with Dr. Jennifer Konzen  Ways to Deepen Your Intimacy in Marriage with Dr. Douglas Rosenau  Ten Common Questions About Sex, Shared Through a Biblical Worldview with Dr. Michael Sytsma Hope For Treating Pelvic Pain with Tracey LeGrand Treatment for Sexual Issues with Certified Sex Therapist, Emma Schmidt Talking With Your Kids About Sex with Brian and Alison Sutter Natural Aphrodisiacs with Christian Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Douglas Rosenau Healthy Sexuality, Emotional Intelligence, and Parenting Children with Autism with Counselor, Lauren Dack Pain and Joy in Sexual Intimacy with Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese Identifying and Fighting Human Trafficking with Dr. Jeff Waibel Bridging the Gap Between Military and Civilian Families with Licensed Professional Counselor, Cuthor, Podcaster, and 2015 Military Spouse of the Year, Corie Weathers Enjoying a God-Honoring, Healthy Sex Life with Your Spouse with Certified Sex Therapist and Ordained Minister, Dr. Michael Sytsma Enjoying Parenting and Managing Conversations About Sex with Certified Sex Therapist and Author, Dr. Jennifer Konzen Conflict Resolution, Infidelity, and Infertility with Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, Dr. Jessica McCleese Hormones and Body Image with Certified Sex Therapist, Vickie George Passion Pursuit with Dr. Juli Slattery Female Orgasm with Sue Goldstein Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, and Treatments Available with Dr. Irwin Goldstein Turn Ons, Turn Offs, and Savoring Sex in Marriage with Dr. Jennifer Konzen Desire Discrepancy in Marriage with Dr. Michael Sytsma Answering Listener's Questions About Sex with Kelli Willard Anatomy of an Affair with Dave Carder Supernatural Restoration Story with Bob and Audrey Meisner Healthy Minds, Marriages, and Sex Lives with Drs. Scott and Melissa Symington Female Pornography Addiction and Meaningful Recovery with Crystal Renaud Day Building Lasting Relationships with Clarence and Brenda Shuler Healthy Ways for Females to Increase Sexual Enjoyment with Tracey LeGrand Pornography Healing for Spouses with Geremy Keeton Sexual Sin Recovery for You and Your Spouse (Part Two) Personal Development and Sexual Wholeness with Dr. Sibylle Georgianna  Our Brain's Role in Sexual Intimacy with Angie Landry Discovering God's Design for Romance with Sharon Jaynes Sex in Marriage and Its Positive Effects with Francie Winslow, Part 1 Science and Art of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Part 2 Making Love in Marriage with Debra Fileta Mutually Pleasing Sex in Marriage with Gary Thomas Sex Series: God's Design and Warnings for Sex: An Interview with Mike Novotny Sex Series: Enhancing Female Pleasure and Enjoyment of Sex: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Degler Sex Series Orgasmic Potential, Pleasure, and Friendship: An Interview with Bonny Burns  Sex Series: Sex Series: Healthy Self, Healthy Sex: An Interview with Gaye Christmus Sex Series: Higher Sexual Desire Wife: An Interview with J Parker Sex Series: Six Pillars of Intimacy with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo 215 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part One with Dr. Kris Christiansen 216 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part Two with Dr. Kris Christiansen 217 Tween/Teen Females: How to Navigate Changes during Puberty with Dr. Jennifer Degler 218 Secrets of Sex and Marriage: Interview with Dr. Michael Sytsma 222 Pornography: Protecting Children and Personal Healing, Victory, and Recovery in Christ with Sam Black Special Patreon Release: Holy Sex: An Interview with Dr. Juli Slattery Special Patreon Release: His Desires and Her Desires in the Bedroom with Dr. Jennifer Konzen 224 Surprising Discoveries of Sex in Marriage: An Interview with Shaunti Feldhahn 252 Maximizing Sexual Connections as Newlyweds to Long Term Marriages and Recovering from a Sexless Marriage with Dr. Cliff & Joyce Penner 260 Sex After Cancer with Dr. Kris Christiansen 277 Breaking Through Addiction in Marriage with Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:11 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 – 2:21) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   My returning guest for today is Dr. Juli Slattery.   She has authored another book entitled Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes Everything, and we're going to cover a few themes from this book, but I think what you're going to find most helpful are her candid responses to some really tricky questions related to dating and pornography, technology, thought life, shows that we watch as believers, divorce, and just intimacy in general as married couples.   So, I think this is an episode that you're going to want to learn from yourself, but you'll also want to share with others because Dr. Juli has offered us such a gift as she directs us back to the heart issues and wisely guides us into sexual integrity in our own lives.   Here's our chat.   Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Juli.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (2:21 – 2:21) Thanks so much for having me back. It's always a joy.   Laura Dugger: (2:21 – 2:22) Well, I love that you've been a repeat guest many times. So, we get to just dive right in today because I'm going to link all of your previous episodes in the show notes. But to dive in, I'm just curious, as believers, where does your heart break as you see us compromising on God's design for sex?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (2:22 – 3:31) Hmm. That's such a good question. You know, I think my heart breaks the most in that when we compromise God's design for sexuality, or even when we don't understand it or understand His goodness, it means that there is a breach in our relationship with God.   And so, I am so passionate about what I do, not necessarily because I love talking about sexuality, but because for a lot of people, sexuality represents a wall between them and God, like an issue they can't resolve, or a place of shame that they just can't quite shake free from, or battle with sin that they feel like they're enslaved to. And so, those things mean that there's a limit to how much they invite God into their lives.   And so, for me, that's where my heart breaks the most is, you know, ultimately, we were created for the greatest fellowship with God and anything that gets in the way of that is something that God cares about and something that I care about.   Laura Dugger: (3:32 – 4:03) You say that well, and you've written many books, but in this most recent one, you plainly state one issue when you write, “You will not be able to obey God with your sexual thoughts, while binging shows and music that continually display the exact opposite.”   And I love how practical that is. So, Juli, why do you think this has become so normalized? And I would say, especially in Christian marriages.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (4:05 – 5:58) Yeah, you know, I think a lot of it is that the church has been historically really quiet about sexuality, you know, like we might talk about save sex for marriage, and don't cheat on your husband and that sort of thing. But the gray areas about how we think about our sexuality and kind of what we have the liberty and freedom to engage in, there's kind of silence, or maybe there's legalism.   And I think in that space, what ends up happening is the culture is so forthright with a message about sexuality, like woven throughout every single show that you could stream on any platform, you know, your music on Spotify, even the news you consume, the Instagram feeds, whatever, it's consistently showing you a way to understand sexuality that is contrary to God's design, and the messaging can be so subtle, or so repetitive that we don't even realize we're ingesting it.   And so, it's normal to talk about with your friends, like the latest season of The Bachelor, or, you know, the latest thing that you're streaming that if you really look at it, there's probably 100 references to sexuality that are outside of God's design. And so, we end up just having our mind conformed to this world.   And the scripture says really clearly in Romans 12, that we can't offer ourselves to God while we're still thinking like the world thinks that it requires an act of transformation of our thinking. And I don't know that there's anywhere more than we need this than in the topic of understanding our sexuality.   Laura Dugger: (6:00 – 6:59) Okay, so for I'm thinking of married couples, because I was recently at a wedding shower. And I love a friend from church. Her name is Dawn Karius. And she was giving the devotional and just sharing. You know, it's very easy to get married and fall into this trap. She was talking about what you watch specifically.   And she said, so many couples will watch something together, watch a show before bed, but be really intentional. If that is what you choose to do, then the shows that you're watching, even though you're with your spouse, is that drawing both of you closer to Christ? Because if it's pulling you further away from Christ, it's also pulling you away from one another.   And so, with all of that, and with what you've studied and written about, if a couple's hearing that and or some single person just hearing this, what would be your practical advice or encouragement for them?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (7:00 – 9:29) Yeah, some of it is, we can't live in a bubble. You know, it's, I think that there are some couples will have the conviction that, you know, we're just going to get rid of all of our devices, we're going to get rid of every streaming service. And there's nothing wrong with that decision, you might feel convicted to do that.   But for most couples, I would say, they're like, okay, we live in this world, we need to understand even the world we live in. And so, it's not like we're going to completely be cut off. But are we being discerning about what we consume?   And what are the standards that we might hit where we might just say, “You know what, we don't need to be watching this.” You know, like I can think of one show in particularly that my husband and I were watching. And it was a well-written show. It was exciting. But there was just so much profanity and just gross kind of sexual content that after two or three episodes, we're both just like, “You know what, as good as the show is, we just, this isn't, we're not watching this. Like we need to stop.”   And I think you need to have those discussions and you might have a different level of conviction than your spouse does. And that's okay, but at least have those conversations and you need to follow your conviction.   But then the other thing I would say that is equally important, if not more important, what are you consuming that helps you get God's perspective of sexuality? And what I've found is that a whole lot of Christian married couples know very little about what it looks like to build a healthy sex life in their marriage. And they're not consuming anything that helps them know how to love each other better, how to overcome differences, even how their bodies work, how to focus on one another and enjoy sex in a holy erotic way.   And so, even if you're watching and consuming very little content from the world, but you're not actively pursuing anything that gives you a biblical perspective, you're still going to end up defaulting to what the world says. And so, I think that again, it's equally as important or not, if not more important to be pursuing what's true and what's right and what's good.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 – 9:53) I love that, how you flipped it. And that discernment piece is huge because we don't want to be desensitized to then that we're consuming and we also want to feed on the good. So, I think it even leads to a broader question, again, as Christ followers, how can we recognize if our conscience is being pricked?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (9:54 – 12:05) Yeah, we can start by asking the Lord. You know, I mean, I think it's in, is it Psalm 139, where, you know, David is basically saying, “Search me, oh God, and know my thoughts, you know, show me if there's any offensive way within me.”   I think that's a beautiful prayer as an individual and as a couple, like God, we want to honor you with what we consume in media, with what we think about, would you guide us and would you show us? And then I think we all have that experience of watching something or listening to something or reading something where we're like, “Uh, I don't know, like, this is sort of a gray area. Like, I'm uncomfortable here. I probably shouldn't be watching this.” Or “Wow, that's really, that's really in your face. Like that's really graphic.”   And it's heeding the Holy Spirit when you get those prompts, instead of just pushing through and being like, “Ah, it's not that big of a deal. It's not going to affect me.” Like when you feel that sense of prompting, you respond to it and you say, “All right, I'm going to put this down. I'm going to shut this off.”   And, um, you know, the scripture says that we can become callous to those promptings of the Holy Spirit if we are in a habit of just running right through that. But we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit when we yield and when we obey.   Um, and so, I think even just keeping track, you know, every day or every week, like where were the times regarding this or anything else that I really felt convicted by the Holy Spirit about maybe something I said about a friend, uh, or about a little white lie I told, you know, where were the times where I really felt the Holy Spirit nudging me and what did I do? Um, where do I need to confess that I didn't respond well? And where do I need to celebrate that? Yes, I listened, I obeyed, I yielded. Um, and so, I think that's a practice we get into of either ignoring that conviction or really yielding to it.   Laura Dugger: (12:06 – 12:28) Hmm. And that gets after the heart issue, which Jesus is so concerned about our heart. And that's a very softened heart approach. Yes. I hope we can have. And as it relates to sexual integrity, then what are some other ways that we need to be on guard so that we're careful not to be misled?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (12:29 – 13:37) Yeah, boy, I think there's just so much conversation. Um, again, even in Christian circles, sometimes around having a negative attitude towards sex, um, kind of accepting some forms of pornography as normal and even good, you know, husband bashing, wife bashing, you know, like complaining, kind of letting the thought feed in your mind of maybe I should have married somebody else.   Maybe that my life would be easier if I, I weren't married to this person. I wish they were this or that. So, sort of that discontent that is natural to feel in marriage. But the question is, what do you do with it? Do you give it space to grow and to nurture, or do you bring that before the Lord?   Um, so, I think those are some of the ways that we want to look at, like, how am I giving the enemy space in my life and in my marriage versus how am I inviting God to really reclaim what's broken here?   Laura Dugger: (13:38 – 14:01) Well, and then even thinking of the other side to guard ourselves from having a critical and judgmental spirit toward others or just having self-righteous pride. Can you educate us on some common reasons why some people may be predisposed to struggle with some certain sexual sins?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (14:02 – 17:20) Yeah, absolutely. I think that's so important, um, because the research really shows that some of us are more, I don't know if I'd say it that way, but we are going to be more predetermined maybe to struggle with things like pornography or same-sex attraction, or even hooking up.   And it's never like a one plus one equals two exactly. But there are what we might say indicators or risk factors that make you more vulnerable to those kinds of sexual struggles. And some of them might be unhealthy family dynamics growing up, you know, none of us had a perfect family, but let's say you grew up in a family where one of your parents was like overtly critical towards you all the time.   Maybe you went through a divorce with your parents where, um, you know, at a certain age, you just, your family fell apart and you're kind of looking for that stability and love. People who have experienced sexual trauma in childhood or the teen years are going to be more pre-dispositioned to want to understand that or act that out.   People who might struggle with anxiety. And, you know, some of it is we got to understand that sex, because it elicits dopamine in our brain and oxytocin and endorphins, which are all really feel good kind of experiences and hormones and neurotransmitters. When we had a sexual experience at a young age, our brain can learn, “Oh, this is how I deal with stress. This is how I deal with depression. This is how I deal with loneliness.”   So, a lot of times when you talk to somebody who has an ongoing struggle with a sexual temptation or sin, it's because they've learned as a pattern from maybe the time they were 10 years old or 12 years old or 15 years old, that this is how I dealt with the stress in my family. This is how I dealt with when my father died. This is how I dealt with when I was sexually abused. Like this was the way that I found to self-regulate and to self-medicate and to find comfort.   And that can be masturbation. It can be pornography or again, you know, acting out sexually. And so, for people who have that kind of story, and this might be your spouse, or this might be against somebody that you're looking at and judging to just say, “You need to stop that behavior,” is often not going to be enough. They need to do the work of really looking at what am I using sex for? What are the wounds that I'm using sex to cover up?   And how do I actually get the healing I need and find healthier and safer ways for me to cope with negative emotions? And that's why groups are really important for people who have sexual struggles. Counseling is really important. And again, that long journey of healing and freedom, not just a one-time decision that I'm going to try to never do this again.   Laura Dugger: (17:21 – 20:19) Love that word freedom, even because that hope is available. And just pointing out how you said this is not deterministic. That's not what we're saying is if you experience something, you will act out sexually. But I agree with you that it is fascinating and helpful to hear the correlation of certain things that happen, especially in childhood, and how that plays out long-term.   And I am blanking on which guest it was on The Savvy Sauce, but somebody was enlightening me. I think it was for females that if they were sexually abused, typically before a certain age, then they were more likely to struggle in marriage with wanting to completely avoid sex. But then if it was after a certain age, that it was completely opposite where they maybe used sex to medicate, or they were very aggressive and even would act out, let's say in single years, that they would sleep around with a bunch of partners if they had been wounded.   And so, I just think it just, it helps us to not be judgmental of one another. We don't know the full story.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (20:20 – 21:09) Yes. Yeah. There's always more there than we usually realize at first. And, you know, this plays out a lot in marriage because there are a lot of women who are married to guys who are addicted to pornography. And that's a deeply painful dynamic. That's really hard.   But to understand that your husband didn't want to have this struggle, often doesn't know how to get out of it, you know, gives you compassion. It doesn't mean that you look the other way, you need to get help, and you need to insist on getting help. But it does give you empathy and compassion that there's something underlying this and feeding it. It's not just, “Oh, I think I'm going to, you know, look at porn and hurt my wife again,” that there's always a deeper dynamic at work.   Laura Dugger: (21:10 – 21:50) Absolutely. And even an example from your book, I'll just read a quote where you said, “I spoke with a man who runs a sexual addiction program. He told me he had never met someone with sexual addiction, who did not also have significant sexual or psychological trauma in their past.”   And I think it goes along with what we're saying. But if we also then flip it and look at more of the positive side, how can we rightly prioritize connection and intimacy in marriage as God intended?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (21:53 – 24:24) I think first of all, we need to be convinced that this is worth it. You know, when we look at everything there is to do in life, there's so many worthy demands on our time. You know, from I want my house to look nice, and we need to make friends and we need to be an outreach to our community. And our kids are taking a lot of time and they should, and they've got all their activities and our church needs our help. Like when do you have time to do all this? And then, oh yeah, prioritize your marriage.   And I think we have to become convinced that if we're not working on our marriage, and specifically if we're not working on the sexual connection in marriage, then all those other things have the potential to fall apart. That the way I've learned it over time is that sex is never going to be a neutral issue in your marriage. It's either going to be something that is bonding you together and causing you to work on the deeper levels of intimacy, even as you talk through sexual difficulties, or it's going to be something not immediately, but over time, that becomes a wedge between you.   It might start as a wedge of resentment of my needs aren't getting met, or I feel like you're objectifying me or you're putting pressure on me. Or it might be a deeper wedge of a pornography addiction or something that's not being addressed. Or I don't trust my husband because of my trauma. And those things don't just stay dormant. The wedge becomes bigger and bigger and bigger until you get to the place where now you're not comfortable being in the same room anymore and you feel like roommates. And then now one of you is attracted to somebody else and the story plays on.   And there are very wonderful godly men and women who have gotten married with every purpose to stay together. But a wedge like this has grown over time to the point where they're now thinking about divorce or one of them has cheated on the other. And so, we have to be convinced that honoring God in our lives means prioritizing our marriage, and it means working on this intimate aspect of our marriage so that we can be a stable foundation for our families and our churches and our communities.   Laura Dugger: (24:26 – 24:39) And so, if we're getting as practical as possible, what are the best practices that you've seen in married couples who are happily married? How have you experienced that?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (24:40 – 28:04) Yeah. I'll put it in kind of like a cliche sort of way because I think sometimes that's catchy. Number one, I would say they're couples who will resist the drift, who will repair the rift, and who will adjust to the shift.   So, I can kind of break that down a little bit. But you know, the first thing is resisting the drift of you can go weeks without meaningfully connecting with your spouse. And I don't just mean sexually, but I mean like eye to eye, you know, just loving touch, just connecting to their hearts. And so, couples who know how to resist that drift, like they have regular times built into their calendar where this is where we connect every day. Like even for 10 minutes, this is where we hold each other's hands, we look at each other in the eye, we really connect with what's in your heart, how are you? And they have regular rhythms of once a week or once every other week, we're going to go out and do something fun together, just the two of us. We've worked through what sex looks like in this season. Like how many times do we want to have sex? Are we scheduling that? How are we making sure that's a priority? And so, that's the resisting the drift.   And the second one is repairing the rift. And at every marriage, there are going to be things that tear you apart. And sometimes those things might be sexual in nature, like a temptation, an emotional affair, pornography use, sometimes it's going to be something else where you have a deep disagreement that you can't resolve on your own. And you need to be courageous enough to reach out for help and say, like, if we don't get help, if we don't address this issue, like it's going to become something that tears us apart. Any couple that you meet who is happily married for like 30 years or more, they can tell you a story of when they had a rift, and the kind of help that really address that.   And then I think the third thing is adjusting to the shift. And in even the normal stages of marriage, there are shifts that happen. Like, you know, I'm in the stage right now where me and the people my age are going through biological changes with menopause and with aging. And, you know, some people are going through becoming grandparents and retirement. And there's all these shifts that are happening even naturally. There's other couples that are younger who are going through the shift of pregnancy and battling infertility. And some people are going through cancer. And there are things that happen that require you to shift your expectations. And to not just wish that it is like it used to be. But this is the marriage we have now. Here are the circumstances we have now. Here are the bodies we have now. How do we learn to love each other and embrace this season, given the changes that we're experiencing?   And so, I think that's a framework that I've seen healthy couples navigate over time that really fosters intimacy.   Laura Dugger: (28:05 – 29:29) That is incredible. I love how you put that. And I've shared with you before that my background is in Christian sex therapy. So, sex is a topic that does come up a lot and people feel comfortable sharing or asking questions. So, just in regular conversation, I want to recap two conversations that kind of show stances on both ends of the spectrum. And I'd love to hear your wisdom on how to respond to each one.   So, first, there was a Christian married woman with children, and she was teaching younger women to say yes to every single sexual advance from their husband. And she said, “If your husband has the higher drive, and he wants to have sex twice a day, then consider yourself lucky. And don't ever say no, because your body is not your own.” Yeah, it's hard to recap. So, this is not my perspective. So, sharing both ends.   So, that was one person. And then on the other end, I've heard a woman tell me, “You know, I just didn't feel like having sex for about a year and a half after we had our baby. So, I just told my husband, you're going to have to wait.”   So, loaded question, but Dr. Juli, how would you respond to each of those?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (29:29 – 32:31) Well, Laura, I feel like you probably would have just as good of response as I would to those. Yeah, I like that you're presenting those as two extremes, because they are two extremes. And I think both extremes kind of miss the heart. We want to be able to say yes to sex and intimacy. And being able to say yes means also being able to say no.   In that first situation, essentially, what is going to end up happening is that that wife is going to start feeling like my husband wants me for sex. And I don't have the capacity to enjoy it twice a day. I'm starting to feel like an object or used. And the husband is never going to learn that covenant love requires self-denial. And at every level, you know, what did, what did Paul say to husbands in Ephesians 5, like love your wife as you love your own body and be willing to lay down your, your life for your wife. And that means being sensitive to the fact that she doesn't have the same sexual appetite as you do. She doesn't have the same biology you do, that it actually can be physically painful, emotionally traumatic for a wife to have sex when she's not physically ready. Really, that couple is not working on intimacy. They're, they're kind of reinforcing a pattern that sex is about the husband getting his needs and desires met only through the wife without considering her. And that might work for short term, but that's not building intimacy in the long term. And it's not teaching either of them. And that wife needs to learn her own sexual desires and patterns and be able to communicate those to her husband. So, that's what I would say in that first one.   And the second one, essentially, you have a wife kind of having that more selfish perspective of, I only have sex when I want it and on my terms, instead of considering the husband. And, you know, how do I focus on him? How do I work on experiencing sexual desire? How do I foster that? Because it's important for my husband, it's important for our marriage. And I don't want to be selfish.   And so, I think both of those situations are kind of approaching sex where one person gets to be selfish, and the other person has to sacrifice. That's ministry, that's not intimacy. And so, we really want to be at a place where both of us, the higher desire one and the lower desire one, are learning what does it look like to really love well, to love sacrificially and to communicate the ways that I feel loved. I don't know, what would you add to that or change?   Laura Dugger: (32:31 – 33:11) That's why I asked you, you said that beautifully, better than I could have responded. And again, you're getting back to the heart of it and pointing us back to Jesus with each answer. And, you know, commonly people do struggle with having a safe place where they can ask candid questions about sex.   So, I am going to throw some more at you. And some of these are ones that you wrote about. But just to give us a little taste, even of the book, or if somebody has a burning question like this, I'd love your healthy response.   So, how do you respond when people ask, “How far is too far to go in a dating relationship?”   Dr. Juli Slattery: (33:14 – 36:32) Yeah, I think people are looking for a line, you know, like, as long as I don't cross this line, are we good? And of course, I think their traditional line would be as long as you're not having intercourse. But I think that misses the larger context of the purpose of sex. I've had to be convicted of this in my own life. And we talked very early in our conversation about how we've just sort of ingested messages from the culture. And the culture says that healthy sexuality is an expression of how I feel, right? So, so if I feel safe with you, if I feel romantically connected to you, if I feel sexually attracted to you, then it would be healthy for me to engage sexually with you. And then Christians would come and say, yes, but as long as you don't cross this line. So, that's sort of the narrative that I think a lot of us have heard in the church.   But if we look at, from a biblical perspective, God did not design sex to be an expression of how I feel. Okay, let that sink in for a minute. God did not design sex to be an expression of how I feel. He designed it to be a seal and a celebration of covenant, of the choice that a man and a woman make to covenant their lives to one another. And for them to say, just like I give you my whole life, I promise faithfulness to you. I promise that we are becoming one as a family. We have now a physical way to symbolize that in becoming one with our bodies. And so, even if I feel romantically attached to somebody I'm not married to, I don't act on that. Or even if I don't feel romantically attached to my husband, we work on our sex life because we're in covenant.   And so, when you begin to understand sex from that standpoint, you answer that question differently of how far can I go? Why are you sharing your body with another person when you haven't shared your life with them? And, you know, I think that the standard is not legalistic, but the heart of the question is a lot, that's a harder question. You know, like it says, and I think 2 Thessalonians or 1 Thessalonians, you know, Paul says, the will of God is that you do not engage in sexual immorality. Don't take advantage of a brother or sister.   And how many times in dating relationships do you look back and you're like, “Wow, I gave too much of myself to that person or I took too much of myself from that person. Like we engaged in things that now we're broken apart. Like I wish I could take back.” And so, what does it look like to honor each other? What does it look like to honor the Lord? So, I think those kinds of questions help you get to the heart of how do we steward dating relationships a lot better than looking for a line we're not supposed to cross.   Laura Dugger: (36:33 – 37:31) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world.   So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   As Christ followers, should we use a friend's preferred names and pronouns? So, how would you respond to that?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (37:32 – 39:20) Boy, this is a hot topic. There are people who have really strong opinions on this. You're saying, do I use a friend's preferred names and pronouns?   And I think the fact that you have a friendship means that you can have a deeper conversation about the meaning of the names and pronouns. And I think that deeper conversation needs to happen. Because, you know, ultimately we don't like, we don't want to just say, “Oh yeah, whatever you want to call yourself is fine with me. Truth doesn't matter.” But on the other hand, we really want to get to the spiritual issue underneath this. And there's a, there's a big difference between somebody who doesn't know the Lord, doesn't know where you stand on any of this, and somebody that you can engage in a conversation with and seek wisdom on.   I think there, there's probably more latitude to use somebody's preferred name than pronouns. And I think in friendships, sometimes you can work that through and just say, you know, “Hey, I love you. I understand where you're coming from. I'm going to try my best to use the name that you're asking. But the pronoun is something that I'm not comfortable with. And here's why. And just like I'm, I want to understand where you are. I hope that you would have grace and understand where I am.” So, in a friendship, you're able to have those kinds of conversations. Whereas if it's a coworker or it's a stranger or a neighbor, sometimes we can't have that level of conversation. And so, I, we might choose to handle the situation a little differently.   Laura Dugger: (39:21 – 39:36) That's good. A hundred percent truth, a hundred percent love or kindness. And what if somebody asks, how much attention should we be giving these secondary issues as believers?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (39:39 – 41:03) Boy, I, I think first of all, the secondary issues come out of the primary issues. So, the primary issue, and you know, the issue I wrote Surrendered Sexuality is about is if my life belongs to the Lord, then my whole life needs to belong to Him, including how I think about cultural issues, including how I treat my neighbor.   And so, I don't see them as secondary issues. I see them as an outgrowth of the primary issue. I think when they become secondary issues are when we argue with other believers about it and it becomes the most important thing. Like I put you in a category based on, will you use preferred names and pronouns? And then I think we're missing what God calls us to.   The primary issue is that we want to honor God and we want to love each other. And so, let's keep going back to that primary issue. How do I love my neighbor well? How do I honor God's truth well? How do I pursue unity within the body of Christ well, as we're navigating some of these secondary issues? So, you know, like if we're going back to the primary issue, it means that we have to talk about the secondary issues, but we talk about them in light of what's primary.   Laura Dugger: (41:04 – 41:17) I like that. And I just have three more of these kind of tricky questions. So, another one, does pornography addiction qualify as reasons for a biblical divorce?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (41:20 – 42:50) I would say, first of all, technically, if we look at the word for sexual immorality in the scripture, which is porneia, we would say, yeah, you know, pornography does qualify for that.   But for the person who's asking this, maybe the woman who's asking this, I would say, why do you want to get out of the marriage? And what Jesus said is Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of your heart. And I think a more important question is where's your heart and where's your husband's heart? Because I've seen people with pornography addictions who have really open hearts towards healing, and they're willing to get the help that they need. They're repentant. They're willing to do the work. They're willing to go through even a time of separation to show that they're serious about that work.   And then there are people who have very hard hearts of, “This is who I am. I might go through the motions, but I'm really not interested in change.” And so, I think the pornography addiction is less the issue than the posture of the person's heart and their willingness to work. And if your spouse is willing to work, then I think it's on us to have soft hearts too, and to be open to the work that God can do.   Laura Dugger: (42:51 – 43:34) That's good because saying you have to zoom out and see more of the story in that stance, because that's very different. Somebody who's working on it and hates the struggle and is wanting to break free versus being married to a narcissist who is abusing you and treating you in a certain way and addicted to pornography. So, you point out well that all of these questions have more to them.   Okay. So, two more, if a spouse has had an emotional affair in the past with a coworker, but they still work with this person, what is the wise thing to do and how should they handle it if their spouse is uncomfortable with them still working there?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (43:36 – 44:33) Yeah, boy, that's something that I would want to seek counseling on. You and your spouse really need to get with a counselor and talk that through. The generic advice in that situation would be to get a different job, to not have that relationship still a temptation or available.   But there are sometimes very extenuating circumstances where that's not a possibility, or at least for now, that's not a possibility. And so, I would really encourage you to meet with a third party to sort through the details of your particular situation. Because it could be that your spouse isn't willing to take that hard step of cutting off that relationship, or it could be that they're willing, but again, there's extenuating circumstances. And I would really want a wise person who is engaging with you to help you navigate that.   Laura Dugger: (44:34 – 44:44) But I love that, how you highlight that something to look for though, is that you would hope your spouse would be willing to make that right, especially if they were the offending.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (44:46 – 44:46) Okay.   Laura Dugger: (44:47 – 45:00) And then also, Juli, because scripture does talk about turning the other cheek, does that mean it's the same as saying God expects you to stay in an abusive marriage?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (45:02 – 47:41) Absolutely not. If you were in an abusive marriage, you are not doing your spouse any good. You are allowing your spouse to be in a place where they're destroying their own life and they're destroying the people that they love.   Now you say, okay, where biblically do we see this? We see that Jesus, he says in John, he says, “I laid down my life for my sheep. I lay it down willingly. No one has the authority to take it from me. I have the authority to lay it down and I have the authority to take it up again.” And we see Him living that out with religious leaders who were after Him all the time, who wanted to stone Him, who were accusing Him of things. It says over and over again that Jesus escaped from them. He just got out of there until it was time that the Father said, now is the time for you to give yourself for the world.   So, we take that principle and we say, Jesus was not abused. Jesus did not let Himself be abused. He gave Himself as a lamb to the slaughter as a sacrifice for the Father and for the world. But that's very different. Up until that time, we see Him have great boundaries. We see Him not get, it even says He didn't entrust Himself to man because He knew what was in their hearts. I mean, He had boundaries with people that could have hurt Him.   And I also love when we see this in the story of King David and Saul, when Saul is chasing David, Saul is abusive, right? He wants to kill David. And so, David escapes. And there's a situation where David has the power or the opportunity to kill Saul and he doesn't do it. And then Saul just is struck by his conscience, and he comes back to David. He goes, “You're a better man than I am. I'm so sorry. You know, come back with me and I'll treat you well.” And even though David doesn't take revenge, he doesn't go back with Saul. He's still, he's like, “You go your way. I'll go my way. I'm going to let the Lord judge between us.”   And I think that's a great model. If you're in any kind of abusive relationship, you don't take revenge, but you also don't stay in that situation. You go your way, let them go their way, and you let God judge between you. And I think we see that over and over again in scripture.   Laura Dugger: (47:42 – 48:19) I think that is so well said. And it reminds me of a somewhat recent conversation in 2025 with Stacey Womack who's saying with domestic violence, really the way God would see it is child abuse. And that kind of helps our paradigm because we are His child.   And she elaborates on that. So, I said that that was the last one, but I actually thought of one more as it relates to our children.   So, is it reasonable to assume that once a child has a smartphone, 100% of them will be exposed to pornography?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (48:21 – 49:15) Yeah, it is. And I would say not just once they have a smartphone, because I know with one of my kids, we delayed the smartphone decision, but he had a learning disability that required him to have an iPad for school. And somehow, even though we locked down all the apps, somehow he's able to access it through that. Or it can be a gaming system, or it can be a friend's phone. And so, having a smartphone or device like that certainly makes it more probable.   But you know, like our kids are surrounded by screens and technology, not just what's in our home, but in other people's homes and at school. And so, I think it's safe to assume, unfortunately, that yes, 100% of our kids are going to be exposed to pornography, probably by the time they're 13 or 14.   Laura Dugger: (49:16 – 49:31) And sadly, some much younger than that. But even if there's parental controls, or filters put on, it is just something on my heart that we have to be so vigilant against.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (49:32 – 50:12) Yeah, no, I felt like when, you know, I have three boys, and when they were all three kind of in those teen years, I felt like I was trying to plug holes in a boat, and there'd be new ones popping up all the time. Whether it's like apps, or you know, things that you think are completely safe. Somehow, pornography can get through.   And our kids are smart, like they know the workarounds to the parental things. And that's why we just need to have conversation after conversation, just discipling them, not just protecting them from pornography, but discipling them through what they're inevitably going to be exposed to.   Laura Dugger: (50:13 – 51:05) That's a great point that not just being reactive, but proactive. I think why I have such a heart for this is because practicing and doing therapy and having so many people come in those wounds, that if that addiction gets a stronghold, and that pornography use, it just can wreak havoc in people long term. And so, if we can do that hard work of discipling early on, it is such a blessing to our children, to the generation.   So, I'm just so grateful for your candid responses. And I think it's also a helpful reminder just to never take on a burden that was never meant for us to carry. So, are there any ways that God has taught you to not try and do His business?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (51:07 – 52:16) Yeah. Boy, that's such a great question. I've had to come to the conclusion that I can't convince anyone of right and wrong. You know, like, I can't convince anyone that pornography is wrong, or gay marriage is wrong, or you know, like, that's not my job. My job is to walk with the Lord with integrity and faithfulness and to testify as to who He is.   And so much of this work, whether we're talking about marriage or our friends or our children, so much of this work has to be the Lord's work. And you reach a stage with your kids when they hit those teen years, where you realize the things my kids most need, I can't give them. I can't give them a relationship with God. I can't give them the desire to follow and seek the Lord. Like, I can model that for them. I can encourage them. But that is between them and the Lord. And if I try to control that, I'm just getting in the way of the work that God wants to do in their lives.   Laura Dugger: (52:18 – 52:33) Goodness, I will need to write that down and reflect on that. That is so good, Juli. And there's still so much more that you could share with us.   So, where is your preferred place that we can go online and continue learning from you?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (52:34 – 52:48) Yeah, I would say two places. Number one, our website is authenticintimacy.com. And the second one is the podcast that I do called Java with Juli. It goes along with The Savvy Sauce, you know, like they kind of go together.   Laura Dugger: (52:49 – 53:11) Yes, absolutely. We will certainly link to all of that in the show notes for today's episode.   And you're familiar, I've asked you many times before, because we are called savvy, because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or discernment. So, as my final question for you today, Dr. Juli, what is your savvy sauce?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (53:13 – 53:58) Oh, I don't even remember how I answered this the last few times. I think I may have said this before, but I think reading the dead old guys is one of my savvy sauce, like reading people who didn't live in this generation who loved the Lord.   And learning from them is just, that's probably taught me more discernment than anything, because they just cut right through the cultural noise that I think sometimes can blind us. And they really help me see my heart for what it is and help me really want to pursue God at a deeper level.   Laura Dugger: (53:59 – 54:03) Wow. Any specific recommendations that have been personal favorites there?   Dr. Juli Slattery: (54:04 – 54:22) Yeah, I love A.W. Tozer. I love many of Andrew Murray's books, particularly Humility and Absolute Surrender. And C.S. Lewis is another great one, Mere Christianity. So, those are some that I would recommend you start with.   Laura Dugger: (54:23 – 54:44) That is wonderful. Thank you for sharing that.   And Juli, it's just always such a delight to get to share an hour of conversation with you. And you are just this beautiful mixture of bold and gentle and humble, all combined into one. So, thank you for being my returning guest today.   Dr. Juli Slattery: (54:44 – 54:49) Oh, thank you. And it's such a pleasure to be with you. Thanks for your great questions.   Laura Dugger: (54:51 – 58:33) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

This week on Anything But Average Mondays, Brittany Anderson and Christina Lecuyer dive into everything from back pain recovery to media overload, conspiracy culture, modern parenting, and the realities of managing health as we age. Christina opens up about dealing with significant back pain and the mental load that comes with physical setbacks. From there, the conversation flows into today's overwhelming media landscape, the Nancy Guthrie case, and the impact of constant headlines on our nervous systems. They unpack conspiracy theories, social media influence, and the challenge of raising grounded children in a world that feels louder and more chaotic than ever. About Brittany and Christina: Meet Brittany and Christina, your dynamic podcast hosts who bring their unique blend of expertise, passion, and life experience to every conversation. Brittany, affectionately known as Britt, mom, mommy, bruh, and Queen, lives in Vancouver with her husband and their three fantastic kids (tweens and teens, hence the playful nicknames). Together for nearly two decades, Brittany and her husband share a love for travel and adventure. A self-proclaimed endurance sport junkie, Brittany thrives on pushing herself beyond her comfort zone to unlock her full potential. As a coach, she specializes in helping clients overcome overwhelm by aligning personal goals and values with actionable steps for success. Her greatest joys come from connecting with new people and witnessing their incredible achievements. Christina Lecuyer, a former professional golfer and TV host, is recognized as one of GlobeNewswire's Top Confidence Coaches. She works with clients worldwide, including entrepreneurs, Wall Street executives, stay-at-home moms, and small business owners. Through her signature "Decision, Faith & Action" framework, Christina has guided thousands of clients in creating their own versions of fulfillment and success, often leading to thriving six- and seven-figure businesses. Her 1-on-1 coaching model focuses on mindset and strategy to build self-trust, confidence, and long-term results. Together, Brittany and Christina bring their authentic, energetic, and empowering perspectives to help listeners navigate life, achieve their goals, and embrace their fullest potential.   Feeling like you want to share a hot topic you'd like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us a DM over on Instagram at @anythingbutaveragepod. Your hot topic just might make it in the next episode!

If you've ever hidden in the back of a family photo, skipped a headshot session, or cringed when you saw a candid picture of yourself, this episode is for you.I sat down with Kristen Vallejo, a portrait and branding photographer based in upstate New York, who has made it her mission to help women feel comfortable and confident being seen. In this conversation, we unpack why so many of us (especially women navigating midlife) have such a complicated relationship with being photographed. We talk about the role social media has played in making us feel like every picture has to be perfect, why menopause can make it even harder to recognize yourself in photos, and how we can start to shift that.One of the most powerful reframes Kristen shares is this: visibility is generosity. When you hide from the camera, you're also withholding yourself ( your gifts, your presence, your relatability) from the people who need to see you. That hit me in a deep way, and I think it will for you too.We also talk about body diversity and representation, why photographers aren't looking at you with the critical lens you're using on yourself, and some practical tips to make any photo session feel less like a pressure cooker.Kristen's missing ingredient in midlife? Novelty. And I love that answer.In this episode, we cover:Why so many women approach the camera with terror, and what's underneath itHow social media has raised the bar for "acceptable" photos and what that costs usWhy going through menopause can make seeing yourself in photos feel particularly confrontingWhat body neutrality looks like in practice, even in a portrait sessionThe power of representation and why your visible presence matters more than you thinkPractical tips for preparing for a photo session without the overwhelmAbout Kristen Vallejo: Kristen Vallejo is a portrait and branding photographer based in upstate New York, specializing in entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those with animals in their work. She's passionate about capturing the real person behind the lens — not just a polished pose. You can find her at kristenvallejo.com and on Instagram at @kristenvallejophotography.Related Episodes:Is Feeling Seen the Missing Part of Your Midlife Story? with Dr. Jody Carrington — a beautiful conversation about connection, storytelling, and why being seen matters so deeply in midlife.How to Turn Your Body Image Inside Out in Midlife with Deb Shatker & Whitney Otto — practical frameworks for getting unstuck from the patterns that keep us at war with how we look.Ageism and Body Image in MidlWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!The wait list for The Midlife Body Image Lab program opens soon! Join my newsletter community to be the first to hear. 

Hi friends! Welcome or welcome back to the podcast :) in this episode, I answer more of your questions! Reminder that you can also find this episode in video for him on my YouTube channel! I am so thankful for you guys and I hope you enjoy this episode:)Talk soon!GabbiXxNuuly link: https://share.nuuly.com/gabbi696

Confidence is not about loving how you look. It is about resilience, safety, and agency in eating disorder recovery. In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Dr. Marianne Miller sits down with therapist, educator, and podcast host Rachelle Heinemann, LMHC, LPC @raquelleheinemann, to explore the deeper emotional and relational layers beneath body image distress and disordered eating. Rather than focusing only on surface-level body image strategies, this episode examines how confidence develops through resilience, meaningful connection, personal agency, and small intentional steps taken over time. Together, they discuss why traditional approaches to body image may feel incomplete, how unsafe environments can intensify negative body thoughts, and what it truly means to cultivate confidence in the context of eating disorder recovery. This conversation offers compassionate, clinically informed insight for anyone navigating body image struggles, low self-esteem, chronic disordered eating patterns, or the long path of healing. What We Explore in This Episode The relationship between body image, confidence, and disordered eating. Why confidence is better understood as resilience rather than appearance or personality. How safety, stress, and environmental context influence body image distress. The role of agency, assertiveness, and small achievable steps in recovery. Why meaningful, supportive relationships are foundational to confidence building. How deeper emotional needs often drive body image pain more than physical appearance. Practical ways to begin cultivating resilience in eating disorder recovery. A Different Way to Understand Confidence Many conversations about confidence center on visibility, charisma, or loving one's body at all times. In this episode, Raquelle offers a more compassionate and realistic framework: confidence as an internal, flexible resilience that can grow even when fear, uncertainty, or body image distress are still present. Through clinical stories and lived therapeutic insight, this discussion reframes confidence as something that develops through curiosity, connection, and repeated small acts of courage, rather than perfection or performance. About Rachelle Heinemann, LMHC, LPC Rachelle Heinemann is a licensed mental health counselor in New York and a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey. She specializes in working with individuals experiencing disordered eating, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. She teaches courses on eating disorders and body image, provides continuing education for clinicians, and hosts the podcast Understanding Disordered Eating. Raquelle also contributes leadership within the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals New York. Her confidence and resilience workbook, discussed in this episode, guides readers through curiosity, connection, and small actionable steps toward meaningful and sustainable change. Resources and Links Rachelle's Confidence & Resilience Workbook: (Use code PODCAST to download for free.) Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast Bergen Mental Health Group Follow Rachelle on Instagram: @rachelleheinemann Related Episodes DIVING DEEP to Help Folks Recover From Eating Disorders, With Rachelle Heinemann, LMHC, CEDS, @rachelleheinemann on Apple and Spotify. When Exercise Becomes Punishment: Body Image, Shame, & Disordered Eating With Dr. Lisa Folden @healthyphit on Apple and Spotify. Work With Dr. Marianne Miller Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in: Eating disorder recovery ARFID and selective eating Binge eating disorder Neurodivergent-affirming care Body liberation and weight-inclusive healing Therapy and coaching are available in California, Texas, Washington, DC, and worldwide. You can also explore: The ARFID & Selective Eating Course The Binge Eating Recovery Membership More episodes of the Dr. Marianne-Land Podcast on body image, neurodivergence, and long-term recovery Listen, Follow, and Share If this episode resonated with you, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, or sharing it with someone who may need compassionate, evidence-informed support for body image and eating disorder recovery. Your support helps more people find liberation-oriented, neurodivergent-affirming care.

People make up societies around the world! Most of what we hear comes from broken, negative, and immature people and it's wrong! What makes it worse is it's also received by broken people! Those who haven't yet learned to love-self and are full of insecurities, fall for many of the things societies says. It has led to many wrong stereotypes and wrong beliefs. It has led to people altering their bodies and messing themselves up. It has led to people making bad choices and decisions, and allowing and accepting the wrong things and the wrong people. The list is endless!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/relationships-and-relatable-life-chronicles--4126439/support.

You just have to be a good parent 30-40% of the time. According to the research, and parenting expert Maggie Dent.

Ozempic is everywhere, and the conversation around it reveals far more than a debate about weight loss. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar step into the cultural moment surrounding GLP-1 medications, clarifying their medical purpose while asking more profound questions about motive, discipline, and identity. The guys acknowledge that these drugs have saved lives, especially for those with type two diabetes, but they focus on the growing trend of using them as shortcuts to self-control and image management. What emerges is a challenge to examine why so many are willing to chemically alter their bodies in pursuit of a certain look, and what that pursuit reveals about the desires shaping the heart.The discussion widens to the obsession with perfection and comfort that shapes modern life. The guys describe how we live in a filtered and photoshopped world where appearance becomes currency and praise becomes addictive. Ozempic, they argue, functions as a cultural artifact that exposes a lack of discipline and an unwillingness to embrace discomfort. This shortcut mindset shows up not only in health but also in faith, work, and ministry, where people want outcomes without formation. Discipline, once seen as virtuous, is now treated as oppressive, yet Scripture calls believers to discipline themselves for godliness rather than convenience.Contentment becomes a central theme as the guys contrast cultural messaging with a biblical worldview. Advertisers thrive by sowing dissatisfaction, but Scripture calls believers to gratitude, stewardship, and eternal perspective. Identity is often tied to the scale or the mirror, yet value is rooted in belonging to Christ. Oscar shares practical wisdom about food as fuel rather than a fixation, modeling balance rather than restriction or obsession. Ray emphasizes enjoying God's gifts without letting them rule us, reminding listeners that health is complex and cannot be reduced to appearance alone.The conversation closes with a call to examine judgment, pride, and purpose. The body is not a trophy to display but a temple to steward, and viewing it rightly frees believers from comparison and condemnation. Psalm 139 affirms God's intentional design, pushing back against cultural pressure to reshape what God has formed. True contentment comes from denying self, following Christ, and living for eternal glory rather than temporary praise. There are no shortcuts to sanctification, only grace, discipline, and a life oriented toward making Christ known rather than making ourselves admired. Send a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

In this episode of the Gladden Longevity Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden speaks with registered dietitian Ashley Koff about her personal journey with body image, trauma, and the importance of understanding weight health. They discuss the psychological aspects of health, the role of medications in weight management, and the significance of personalized nutrition. The conversation emphasizes the connection between gut health and overall wellness, the benefits of fasting, and the need for a holistic approach to health and longevity.   For Audience ·       Use code 'Podcast10' to get 10% OFF on any of our supplements at https://gladdenlongevityshop.com/ !    Takeaways ·       The journey to health is deeply personal and varies for each individual. ·       Trauma can significantly impact body image and health choices. ·       Weight health should be prioritized over simply body weight. ·       Medications can be tools in managing weight health but should not be the sole focus. ·       Psychological factors play a crucial role in health and body image. ·       Personalized nutrition is essential for effective health management. ·       Gut health is intricately linked to overall health and weight management. ·       Fasting can reset the body's systems and improve health outcomes. ·       Understanding weight health hormones is key to effective weight management. ·       The future of health lies in a holistic approach that considers all aspects of well-being.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ashley Koff's Journey 05:10 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Health 08:14 The Psychological Roller Coaster of Body Image 10:53 Understanding Weight Health vs. Body Weight 13:58 The Role of Society and Media in Body Image 16:47 The Importance of Internal Validation 19:34 Unlearning Misconceptions About Nutrition 22:36 The Interplay of Psychology and Physical Health 25:30 Exploring Tools for Weight Health Optimization 26:59 Understanding Weight Health Hormones 30:07 The Role of Supplements and Medications 31:21 The Ecosystem of Body Composition 33:40 The Importance of Individualized Care 35:34 Optimizing Digestion for Better Health 39:56 The Power of Fasting Mimicking Diets 45:52 Resetting the Body's Ecosystem 50:55 The Importance of Rest and Recovery   To learn more about Ashley Koff: Website: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/ Reach out to us at:    Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_q8nexY4K5ilgFnKm7naw         Gladden Longevity Podcast Disclosures Production & Independence The Gladden Longevity Podcast and Age Hackers are produced by Gladden Longevity Podcast, which operates independently from Dr. Jeffrey Gladden's clinical practice and research at Gladden Longevity in Irving, Texas. Dr. Gladden may serve as a founder, advisor, or investor in select health, wellness, or longevity-related ventures. These may occasionally be referenced in podcast discussions when relevant to educational topics. Any such mentions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. Medical Disclaimer The Gladden Longevity Podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services — including the giving of medical advice — and no doctor–patient relationship is formed through this podcast or its associated content. The information shared on this podcast, including opinions, research discussions, and referenced materials, is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any condition they may have. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions or concerns about your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. Use of information from this podcast and any linked materials is at the listener's own risk. Podcast Guest Disclosures Guests on the Gladden Longevity Podcast may hold financial interests, advisory roles, or ownership stakes in companies, products, or services discussed during their appearance. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Gladden Longevity, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, or the production team. Sponsorships & Affiliate Disclosures To support the creation of high-quality educational content, the Gladden Longevity Podcast may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. Any such partnerships will be clearly identified during episodes or noted in the accompanying show notes. We may receive compensation through affiliate links or sponsorship agreements when products or services are mentioned on the show. However, these partnerships do not influence the opinions, recommendations, or clinical integrity of the information presented. Additional Note on Content Integrity All content is carefully curated to align with our mission of promoting science-based, ethical, and responsible approaches to health, wellness, and longevity. We strive to maintain the highest standards of transparency and educational value in all our communications.

In this poignant episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with oncology nurse educator Robby Wallace to discuss the often-overlooked physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment. While medical teams focus on eradicating the disease, patients are frequently left to navigate profound shifts in their body image, identity, and daily functionality on their own. Robby sheds light on the gaps in the current healthcare system, explaining why patients often feel lost in medical jargon and why having a patient advocate is crucial. From the trauma of hair loss to the complexities of fertility and intimacy, this conversation offers a compassionate look at what it truly means to heal the person, not just the patient.SHOW NOTES: Click hereFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_bite Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this Thursday episode of the podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue digging deeper on body image and practical ways to instill a healthy approach for our girls today.    In a time when cultural messages and marketing language are thrown around 24 hours a day, seven days a week, girls are bombarded by plenty of ways to think about their bodies, but none of it aligns with Scripture. So how can we help our daughters take hold of the messages, strip the lies of their power and urgency, and help girls rest in the Lord content with how He designed their bodies?     It's important for girls to understand that trends come and go—and it happens lightning fast these days! So if she's going to chase trends, she will likely always feel like she can never arrive—and she'll have no money! The Bible talks about the eternal beauty of a Godly girl's life that reflects Christ. This gives a more sustainable framework for girls to confidently navigate, trusting that God is working in their hearts no matter what the outward appearance looks like. Finally, the hosts offer a sobering look at how a mom's own baggage with body image can be inadvertently passed down to a daughter without a Scripture-empowered renewed mind.    Three Things to Remember:    When trends are your girl's measuring stick for beauty, she can be left feeling less-than.  Helping your girl weigh the temporary against the eternal will guide her to order beauty in a mature way.  Since your girl is watching how you handle your own sense of body image, it's important that we model this for her in Christian maturity.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 Timothy 4:8  1 Peter 3:4  Romans 12:1-2        Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.   To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.  

In this poignant episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with oncology nurse educator Robby Wallace to discuss the often-overlooked physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment. While medical teams focus on eradicating the disease, patients are frequently left to navigate profound shifts in their body image, identity, and daily functionality on their own. Robby sheds light on the gaps in the current healthcare system, explaining why patients often feel lost in medical jargon and why having a patient advocate is crucial. From the trauma of hair loss to the complexities of fertility and intimacy, this conversation offers a compassionate look at what it truly means to heal the person, not just the patient.SHOW NOTES: Click hereFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behind_the_bite Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vic is doing something wildly out of character… and that's the point! In this life update, she shares why she and her husband, Max, are packing up and living in a sprinter van for a spontaneous three-week road trip across California. After a season of burnout, routine, and always chasing the next goal, Vic opens up about craving more freedom, curiosity, and space to figure out who she is becoming in this next chapter. She breaks down how the trip came together, how Max reacted to her out-of-the-blue idea, what van life will actually look like, and why this journey is about more than just the views. If you've been feeling stuck, overplanned, or disconnected from your sense of adventure, this episode might be the nudge you need. Tune in to hear why Vic is choosing spontaneity, simplicity, and the journey inward this season.Related episode:Chaotic Life Update: I'm Burnt Out & Something Needs to ChangeAubrey & Corporate Natalie are Back!! 2025 Reflections & New Year Goal Setting// SPONSORS // Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at premierprotein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. BetterHelp: Visit betterhelp.com/realpod today to get 10% off your first month.Quince: Go to quince.com/realpod to get free shipping and 365-day returns.LMNT: LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any purchase, that's 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try all 8 flavors or share LMNT with a friend. Get yours at DrinkLMNT.com/realpod.Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this kickoff episode from the "Waiting for Weight Loss" series, Heather Creekmore shares her deeply personal journey with body image, dieting, and seeking value through weight loss. From childhood memories of self-critique, through dieting routines, relationship struggles, motherhood, aging, and finally, a shift in perspective toward faith and lasting hope, Heather invites listeners to reflect on their own stories. She encourages women to join the new online community, engage honestly about their desires, and find out they're not alone in this battle. The episode ends with a prayer and an invitation to process what waiting for weight loss really means during Lent. Keywords: Join the Conversation:Visit waitingforweightloss.com to connect with other women and explore this journey together. Listen & Subscribe:The Compared to Who? podcast is proud to be part of the Life Audio network. For more Christian podcasts, go to lifeaudio.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send a textYou know the drill. Monday you're all in the workouts are scheduled, the meals are prepped, the alarm is set for 5 AM. By Thursday you've missed two sessions, eaten cereal for dinner, and you're already mentally drafting your "starting over Monday" speech.Sound familiar? You're not failing. You're stuck in a cycle that was never designed for your actual life.In this episode, we're breaking down why "good enough" fitness isn't a consolation prize it's actually the most strategic, sustainable, and sane approach to health for busy moms who are already doing a million other things at a very high level.If you're a high-achieving woman over 35 who has tried every program, followed every plan, and still feels like you're behind  this one's for you.In this episode we cover:Why the all-or-nothing fitness mindset is keeping you stuck, and why it hits harder for high-achieversWhat "good enough" fitness actually looks like in practice (hint: it's more than you think)How to stop letting a missed workout derail your entire weekWhy consistency always beats perfection when it comes to long-term resultsHow to build a sustainable fitness routine that works around your real life  not the life you wish you had (or you used to have before kiddos)What your kids are actually learning by watching your relationship with exercise and foodThe mindset shift that changes everything: measuring yourself against your own life, not someone else's highlight reelWho this episode is for: This episode is for the busy working mom who is killing it in every other area of her life and somehow still feels like she's failing at fitness. If you've ever thought "I just need to be more disciplined”,  I want to offer you a completely different frame.Key Takeaways:Good enough fitness is not mediocre fitness. It is sustainable fitness. And sustainable is the only kind that actually works.A 20-minute workout you actually do beats the 60-minute workout you keep skipping.The all-or-nothing cycle : perfect week, blowout week, shame spiral, start over Monday  is broken by flexibility, not more willpower.Your fitness routine should fit your life. Not the other way around.Consistency over time is what produces results. Not intensity. Not perfection.Ready to stop starting over? You've got two ways to take the next step. If you're ready to jump in, Fit & Fueled is the program built for exactly where you are — thestrongherway.com/fitandfueled. And if you want something more personalized, book a consult and let's build your plan together alishacarlson.com . Either way, the next step is simple. You've done the hard part just by showing up and listening today.

Visit the website: underneathyourlingerie.comJoin the 30 day health challenge: https://underneathyourlingerie.thinkific.com/courses/pancakestopeaches

Ozempic has become a cultural flashpoint that exposes deeper issues of discipline, identity, and the pursuit of approval. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore how GLP-1 medications, while medically helpful for some, are increasingly used as shortcuts to self-control in a culture obsessed with comfort, image, and instant results. The guys wrestle with the motives behind using these drugs, asking whether the desire is rooted in health or in the need for affirmation and praise, and they connect this trend to a broader pattern of wanting outcomes without formation. They emphasize that the body is a temple meant to serve the Lord rather than a trophy to impress others, calling believers to pursue contentment, practice godly discipline, and find lasting identity in Christ rather than in appearance or quick fixes. The conversation ultimately points listeners toward eternal mindedness, reminding them that true freedom and transformation come not from altering the body, but from being shaped by Christ.Send a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Today marks the exciting launch of our Lenten series, "Waiting for Weight Loss." This six-week-long journey is designed to reorient your heart towards what’s truly important while acknowledging your goals for body change—whether that’s weight loss, looking younger, or any other transformation you’ve been hoping for or working toward. Throughout Lent, you'll get 20 short, practical podcast episodes—three each week—full of encouragement, strategy, daily prayers, and honest conversations about body image, food, and faith. Today, Heather shares her own experience, inviting listeners to consider the difference between healthy goals and making body change an idol. If you’ve been obsessing over jeans that don’t fit or other physical goals, you’ll find hope and help here. **Join the Waiting for Weight Loss Community!**For the first time, we’ve created a private, secure community (not on social media) where you can connect, ask questions, discuss episode topics, and find resources. To join, simply visit Waitingforweightloss.com and drop your email in the form and you'll get instructions on how to join. Topics this season will include: - How to keep your goals grounded- Why God gave us bodies- Discipline as a servant, not a savior- What scripture really says about body size and transformation- How to rightly order the desire for change This is your opportunity to walk the journey with others who get it. Invite a friend, bring your questions, and join a supportive space focused on wholehearted health (body, soul, and spirit), keeping Jesus—not weight loss—as your primary hope. **Don’t forget**: Whether you’re new to Lent or just want a 40-day journey for your heart before Easter, sign up for our private community at waitingforweightloss.com ! Let’s start a conversation, support one another, and find true freedom together. Tune in tomorrow for Day 1 of this transformative series—and invite someone you love to join! --- Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Welcome to Two-Minute Tuesdays, where you'll hear a non-diet devotional to help you fight the regular pressures of diet culture by resting in God's grace and following His joy. If you want these sent to your inbox daily for only $10, you can sign up at joyfulhealth.co/devo. “I really enjoyed this episode”

Anna Rollins is the author of Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl. Anna's debut memoir examines the rhyming scripts of diet culture and evangelical purity culture, both of which direct women to fear their own bodies and appetites.Anna is an award-winning instructor who taught English in higher education for nearly 15 years, and her writing has appeared in outlets like The New York Times, Slate, Electric Literature, Salon, Joyland, and more. In today's episode, Anna shares how societal messages around beauty and body image contributed to her struggles with disordered eating. We also discuss Anna's research on purity and diet culture's impacts on women's relationships with their bodies and food, as well as how the concept of self-control might be helpfully framed as we enter the season of Lent.My hope is that as we name and shed unhelpful theologies related to food and our bodies, we might find more freedom, healing, and wholeness.Buy Melissa L. Johnson's book, Soul-Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless, here. Learn more about Impossible Beauty and join the community here.

You’ve been told that body image is about self-esteem. Or confidence. Or that it’s just a “vanity issue” you need to pray your way out of. But what if the issue isn’t your reflection, but it’s your wiring? In this episode, Leanne Ellington dismantles one of the biggest lies women have been taught: that if we just loved ourselves more, the body shame would go away. Through brain science, lived experience, and Spirit-led truth, Leanne reveals how body image isn’t a surface-level issue—it’s a deeply embedded neurological pattern. She shares the story of her own unraveling (even after losing 100 pounds), how the Anterior Cingulate Cortex shapes your self-image, and why your mirror might be reflecting trauma instead of truth. You’ll walk away with a 3-step framework to start rewriting your self-image—God’s way:Step 1: Unlearn the Lies – Dismantle the false beliefs you inherited about your worth, your body, and what makes you lovable, and take off the mental “backpack” you were never meant to carry.Step 2: Regulate the Noise – Calm the inner static that keeps you stuck in fear and body shame by creating nervous system safety, so you can finally feel the love and truth God is offering.Step 3: Rebuild the Mirror – Rewire the way you see yourself by aligning your self-image with how God already sees you: worthy, chosen, and delightfully made—right now, not 20 pounds from now. This isn’t about body positivity. It’s about identity alignment. Because when the mirror reflects how God sees you, you don’t have to fight to love yourself. You simply receive it. HOST: Leanne Ellington // StresslessEating.com // @leanneellington To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.Follow Leanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leanneellington/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose use the analogy of parenting instincts to recognize oncoming illness in their kids as a framework to approach a girl's body image struggles. While parents are usually pretty good at connecting symptoms to oncoming illness in their kids, it's not always as clear when body image issues surface in our girls. So this week the podcast is focusing on body image, and how that is often reflective of a deeper spiritual thing happening in our girls.   Many times, girls hear negative messages about their bodies—that the body needs to be altered in order to fit in with the current notion of beauty. This can leave girls hating their bodies and measuring beauty through a lens that God never intended. How can we parent our daughters to embrace her body as a gift from God?   It's important to let a girl enjoy beauty rather than shame her for wanting to feel pretty. For a Christian girl, the key to a healthy Biblical Worldview on body image is tied to her contentment in the Lord rather than her appearance.   The AHG Ministry has a whole badge frontier designed to instill a healthy view of the body in a girl's journey. Raising Godly Girls also has the Raising Godly Girls Guide to Gender & Identity, which offers parents a great jumping off point to take these conversations into the home.   Two Things to Remember:   § It's Okay for a Girl to Want Beauty, Yes—Even as a Christian § Feeling Beautiful Isn't a Good Source for Contentment, so Address This Gently but Directly in Your Girl     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:   · Genesis 1:31a     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.

Skinny is in, and it doesn't help when the drugs that help us get there are set to get cheaper.Whether it's Ozempic or Wegovy, the cost of shrinking doesn't end with what you pay at the pharmacy. It bleeds into your everyday interactions - both with others and by yourself. And unless your results are being guided by a dietician or medical provider, who's to say how sustainable pay-as-you-go weight-loss actually is?Host Maria Kestane speaks to writer Brianne Cail to unpack her journey using weight-loss drugs, and the give-and-take at the cost of her wellbeing thanks to the cost of drugs. The two also discuss what safeguards Health Canada could implement to help patients move through prescribed weight-loss and weight management. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

How do kids learn about bodies and food before anyone even talks about it? Zoë Bisbing, psychotherapist and eating disorder specialist, joins me to unpack the invisible lessons our kids absorb—and how parents can respond to “hard body moments” without shame or overcorrection.We talk about:* Zoë's journey from inpatient eating disorder treatment to prevention work—and how becoming a parent reshaped her lens.* What kids are really learning about bodies, food, and morality.* How to respond when a child expresses body distress.* Why tolerating “body grief” builds resilience and reduces eating disorder risk.* Why shutting down “I feel fat” with reassurance can accidentally close the door to connection.* What to actually say when your child brings you a hard body moment.* How “fix-it” energy can communicate fear—and what it looks like to tolerate discomfort instead.* Why prevention isn't about perfection, but about creating an emotional climate where kids aren't alone in their pain.* The surprisingly joyful role of simple pleasures—like toaster strudels—in fostering flexible eating.This episode isn't just for parents. We were all children once, impacted by diet culture in our family and beyond. So this is for anyone who wants to create a home where bodies and food are safe, not shameful.Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Substack for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe Apply for Abbie's Group Membership:Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-groupFind the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcastFind Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellnessFor more from Zoë:https://www.instagram.com/mybodypositivehome/https://www.bodypositivehome.com/abouthttps://bodypositivehome.substack.com/Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroyPodcast Editing by Brian WaltersThis podcast is ad-free and support comes from your support on Substack. Subscribe HERE. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this weeks episode, I'm actually recovering from knee surgery that took a bit longer to recover from than anticipated.This episode was one of the first episodes I ever recorded in 2023 and I wanted to share it again since many of us will never scroll that far back- so we're gonna throw it back with some real life vulnerability! In this episode I delve deeper into my own experience with body image and self-esteem, and how I overcame my own insecurities. In this episode we cover:Connecting to the people I work withSizing, self-esteem and being in photos Learning to be proud of myselfA turning point in my body imageThe mental side of physical health Being comfortable in the uncomfortable Rewiring the way you think about your body 

Rev David Cotton preaches his sermon "Body Image" as part of our Touch Grass sermon series. February 14 & 15, 2026

1-Body Image 2-Trust: 1-Are you ashamed of your body shape? 2-I don't trust my girlfriend who is starting college. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health - any personal issue! Call anytime, toll free 877-Dr-Kenner. Visit www.drkenner.com for more information about the show (where you can also download free chapter one of her serious relationships guidebook).

An advert shown during this year's Super Bowl has prompted a backlash on social media. In the ad, tennis champion Serena Williams promotes a weight loss injection, saying she is "healthier" thanks to the product. Many fans have expressed disappointment that a woman associated with strength and body positivity, is now selling being thinner as the ideal. So, is body positivity out and fat shaming back? In our conversations, we discuss the cultural pressure to lose weight now these drugs, known as GLP-1s, are widely available. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from BBC OS Conversations, bringing together people from around the world to discuss how major news stories are affecting their lives.

This week, I'm joined again by emotional eating expert Tricia Nelson. This time, we explore the intricate connection between emotional eating and romantic relationships. We talk about how emotional responsibility includes becoming aware of the ways food struggles can impact intimacy and communication in relationships.We also discuss how isolation can intensify emotional eating, why connection and honesty are essential to healing, and the underlying reasons food becomes a coping mechanism. Tricia shares practical ways she has helped people shift these deep-rooted patterns, including how processing, expressing, and communicating how we're feeling is essential to changing compulsive eating behaviors. It's an honest conversation about how long-term struggles with food can affect the people in our lives, with practical advice for how to feel and connect with others instead of numb and avoid with food. Show Notes | Resources | Mentions:Emotional Eating Free QuizBook: Heal Your Hunger: 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating NowInstagram: @tricianelson_Website: healyourhunger.comTricia's Book: Heal Your Hunger: 7 Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating NowPodcast: Heal Your Hunger Show on Apple Podcasts If you liked this episode, try this one from the archive: Why We Eat Our Feelings (and What to Do Instead)—Tricia Nelson Explains

Jared is joined by original U Up? co-host Sami Sage for a fun episode that kicks off with body image, Ozempic shame, and why vulnerability isn't owed, but it does matter. They unpack a listener's dilemma about dating a woman who may have lost weight on GLP-1s and whether hiding old photos is a red flag, a boundary, or none of his business. Then they review texts from a guy who gives his date the ick by editing his messages multiple times, one edit should be the max! Sami and Jared also discuss what women should actually get men for the upcoming Valentine's Day. Lastly, they dig into two red flag deal breakers: staying close with an ex-wife and being single at 33 – is that a red flag? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mind Architect, Peter Crone, is here for a life-changing conversation about how to unlock the subconscious beliefs holding you back and reclaim peace and presence in your life. Peter breaks down why we spiral in negative thoughts, why your brain is always bracing for a bad future that hasn't even happened yet, and how to stop endlessly “fixing” your problems and start dissolving them instead. He shares simple, grounding tools to calm anxiety, get out of worst-case-scenario mode, and be more present with the people and life right in front of you. The episode wraps with a real-time one-on-one session where Peter helps Vic uncover a subconscious belief or “lie” that's been quietly holding her back, giving you a front-row seat to the work that creates real, lasting change. Tune in to learn how to break mental loops, take your power back, and feel a whole lot lighter in your own mind.Visit petercrone.com/mastermind to learn more about Peter's three-month intensive starting February 21, 2026!Connect with Peter:Instagram: @petercroneYouTube: Peter Crone// SPONSORS // Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at premierprotein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. BetterHelp: Visit betterhelp.com/realpod today to get 10% off your first month.Pique Tea: Unlock 20% off and establish your powerful sustained well-being at piquelife.com/realpod. CozyEarth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code REALPOD for up to 20% off.Thrive Market: Join Thrive Market with my link ThriveMarket.com/REALPOD for 30% off your first order plus a FREE $60 gift! Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Order Vivian's second book WELL ENDOWED OUT NOW! Vivian sits down for an honest conversation with Victoria Garrick Browne, former Division I athlete turned body positivity advocate, content creator and entrepreneur, about the "skinny girl industrial complex" and why chasing beauty standards is designed to keep us broke and insecure. Victoria breaks down the finances behind trying to look "perfect," and reveals what it actually takes to invest in yourself beyond the price tag. In this episode, you'll learn: The brutal truth about beauty economics and how multi-billion-dollar industries profit from our insecurities. How to build a sustainable business around your values, from breaking down content creator income streams to choosing brand partnerships that align with your mission (and saying no to the ones that don't) The real intersection of mental health and money, including how to break free from comparison culture, invest in your wellbeing without going broke, and build authentic self-worth in a world that profits from you feeling like you're never enough Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Break through your Keto or low carb plateau, book a call with Robert Sikes here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/callYou have been lied to about building muscle. The old bodybuilding diet of eating six high carb meals a day might be destroying your health and your gains. In episode 858 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes is joined b Mark Ennis to reveal the truth about ketogenic bodybuilding. Mark explains how he used a carnivore diet to get into incredible shape for his competition without the hunger, energy crashes, and terrible rebound weight gain that plagues most bodybuilders. He and Robert discuss why the fitness industry often gives bad advice, and they share a much smarter way to train and eat for lifelong health and strength. This episode will show you how to finally build the body you want without sacrificing your well being.Follow Mark on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessbeyondtime01Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Chapters:0:00 - The TRUTH About Bodybuilding Diets (Keto vs. Carbs)0:41 - Mark Ennis's Return & His First Bodybuilding Prep1:32 - How to Conquer a Bodybuilding Prep Without Starving2:41 - The Ketogenic Advantage: Backstage at a Bodybuilding Show4:20 - Is It Possible to Win a Bodybuilding Show on a Keto Diet?6:14 - Why Keto Isn't More Popular in Bodybuilding7:02 - The Biggest Post-Show Dieting Mistake8:24 - Carb-Fueled vs. Fat-Fueled: Backstage Energy Levels9:25 - The RIGHT Way to Approach Bodybuilding for Health10:06 - "Bulking" vs. Getting Fat: The Post-Show Reality11:02 - The Dark Side of High-Carb Diets in Professional Rugby13:05 - The Health Risks of Extreme Impact Sports14:04 - A New Perspective on Aging and Longevity14:47 - Why You Should Ignore "Body Image" Advice in the Gym15:43 - The TRT & Weight Loss Drug Epidemic: Chasing the "Easy Button"16:34 - How to Boost Testosterone Naturally Before Considering TRT17:23 - The SHOCKING Shift Away From High-Fat Keto18:03 - Are Carbohydrates ESSENTIAL for Energy?19:04 - Does the Keto Diet Get Better Over Time?19:39 - Do You Need Carbs to Build Muscle? (The Insulin Debate)20:43 - How I Built Muscle with ZERO Carbohydrates for 6 Years22:22 - The 3 Things Your Body ACTUALLY Needs to Build Muscle22:54 - High-Volume vs. High-Intensity Training: Which is Better?23:59 - The Perfect Workout Duration for Maximum Gains24:34 - Should You Lift Heavy or Focus on Form? (The Deadlift Example)26:25 - How to Find the Perfect Training Style for Your Body27:03 - Are You Overtraining? The #1 Sign You Need a Break28:18 - Important Message from Host Robert Sikes30:04 - How Often Should You Take a Deload Week for Muscle Growth?30:33 - The Danger of Combining High Frequency & High Volume Training31:45 - Why You're Not Building Muscle (Even If You're Lean)32:16 - What is Reverse Dieting and Why Is It Crucial?34:30 - How to Structure a Fat Loss Phase for Long-Term Success35:40 - Why You're Always Sabotaging Your Own Progress36:23 - The "Holiday Diet" Cycle: Why Quick Fixes Always Fail37:21 - Do Calories Matter? A New Way to Look at Weight Loss39:29 - Why "Eat As Much As You Want" is TERRIBLE Advice40:32 - The Problem with the Modern Carnivore Diet43:07 - Is a High-Protein Carnivore Diet a Mistake?44:03 - How I Use Protein-Sparing Fasts for Rapid Fat Loss45:47 - The TRUTH Behind Carnivores Adding Carbs Back46:41 - The Problem with "Fitness Influencer" Marketing47:50 - Why I'll Never Chase Viral Content or "Clout"50:24 - Why Is There So Much Hate & Division in Nutrition?51:24 - The Problem with Celebrity & Influencer Diets52:45 - The Unspoken Truth About Health & Wealth54:16 - Why Your Mindset About Aging is WRONG55:23 - Can You Get Strong Without Lifting Weights?57:36 - Finding Your "Why": The Ultimate Motivation for Health59:03 - What's Next for Mark Ennis? (New Book & Events)1:01:25 - The Shocking Price of Beef & Lab-Grown Meat in Ireland1:02:34 - Where to Find More from Mark Ennis

Jameela Jamil (The Good Place, Elio) joins us this week for a wildly honest conversation about chronic illness, passive self destruction and why she is done biohacking her life. Jameela opens up about living with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, surviving childhood abuse, the nervous breakdown that turned her into a truth teller and how EMDR therapy completely rewired her relationship to trauma and fear. We also get into her war on beauty and the unbelievable way a school bully pushed her straight into The Good Place. Thank you to our sponsors: