Ending weight stigma is beneficial for both individual and societal well-being. It promotes mental and physical health, fosters positive relationships, and contributes to a more just and inclusive society. Today’s episode is a conversion from our Summer Instagram Live Series with Becky Manley – founder of MEDA, the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association. We discussed many important topics, such as ending weight stigma in children, tips for parents and teachers for body acceptance, body image in the Barbie movie, and more. Resources Episode Transcript Join us in making a positive impact by spreading the real meaning of Self-Care: Donate today!

Say it with me, f*ck diet culture! Diet culture is full of lies and keeps us feeling bad about our bodies as we try to fit a societal ideal of beauty. Diet culture does not promote a healthy relationship with food or exercise, and it can contribute to disordered eating, eating disorders, harmful thoughts and behaviors, mental health concerns, and more. Today’s episode is a conversion from our Summer Instagram Live Series with Dr. Alexis Conason. You might know her as @theantidietplan. Dr. Conason is a clinical psychologist and the author of The Diet Free Revolution. She also creates great […]

You have heard the term, but do you know the key to mindful eating? Is it just about paying attention to what you eat? In this exciting episode, Dr. MC & the Mindful Dietitian, Fiona Sutherland, discuss mindful eating and mindfulness. Fiona explains that understanding mindfulness and cultivating a practice of mindfulness is the first step. Fiona is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Director of The Mindful Dietitian, living and working in Wurundjeri Country (Naarm, Melbourne), with more than 20 years working in the areas of body image, eating disorders, body image, and sports nutrition. Fiona is committed to weight-inclusive […]

Body Liberation expert Patrilie Hernandez, MS, joins the podcast today. Dr. MC and Patrilie discuss important topics, such as the difference between body liberation and body positivity, advocating for your health and needs, and more. Patrilie emphasizes that “you are the expert of your own body.” This conversation is not to be missed. Patrilie Hernandez is a fat, multiracial, neuroatypical, queer femme of the Puerto Ricandiaspora. They have worked in the health and nutrition sector as an educator, advocate, and policy analyst for 15 years, shaping their understanding of how the pursuit of “health” seamlessly intersects with the built environment, […]

Ofosu Jones-Quartey reminds you that you are enough in this delightful episode. What an honor it was to interview Ofosu. Dr. MC and Ofosu chatted about foundational self-care, meditation, mindfulness, sound healing, and more. His tips for inviting more mindfulness into your life are perfect and powerful. Using the affirmation “you are enough” is certainly one of Dr. MC’s go-to’s. Maybe it can be yours too? Be sure to listen until the end because Ofosu leads a special guided meditation. Balance Meditation coach Ofosu has been meditating for over 20 years and has taught families, children, and adults for the […]

Creating vision boards that work can seem like a futile endeavor. Perhaps you have never made one, have no idea where to start, or you have made one, but not found it effective; either way, this episode is for you. In the last installment for “Bite-Sized Pods” 2023, Dr. MC shares her expertise in creating vision boards that work. A couple of weeks ago, Dr. MC was cited in a TODAY.com article sharing her insights and steps for creating a vision board. In this short episode, Dr. MC will dive deeper into the why and how of making this work […]

Looking for the best mental health advice? Look no further. Dr. MC recently asked her growing social media following to share the best mental health advice they have ever received, and they did not disappoint. They shared real, heartfelt advice that may be just what you need to hear in this short “Bite-Sized Pod” episode. Dr. MC provides a deeper look at this advice and, as always, leaves us feeling inspired and empowered to find our spotlight! Resources Blog about Sleep Tips Other Bite-Size Pods (2022 & 2023) Episode Transcript Join us in making a positive impact by spreading the […]

Vulnerability alert when discussing reclaiming space in this episode. Dr. MC gets real and emotional, sharing pieces of her eating disorder healing journey, her ballerina days, and what reclaiming space means to her now at 40. TW/CW – discussion of eating disorder history, dieting, restricting, and healing. As you may have heard, we will mix it up for the next few episodes as we head back into a new school year. In a break from our usual format, we’re bringing back ‘Bite-Size Pods’ – which will be me, Dr. MC, chatting with you about a particular topic. Unlike our […]

New School Year, Who Dis? Setting Yourself Up For Success is the episode you have been waiting for. As August ends, we are embarking on a New School Year, and you may be wondering how to get started setting yourself up for success. As you may have heard last week, we will mix it up for the next few episodes as we head back into a new school year. In a break from our usual format, we’re bringing back ‘Bite-Size Pods’ – which will be me, Dr. MC, chatting with you about a particular topic. Unlike our interview-style episodes, Bite-Sized […]

Feeling uneasy about a new school year starting? You may be experiencing what 75% of Americans experience called the Sunday scaries, but even more intense as it is the emotions of a new school year we are grappling with as opposed to the start of a work week. This short but impactful episode will help you in beating the Sunday scaries (or a new school year). We are going to mix it up for the next few episodes as we head back into a new school year. In a break from our usual format, we’re bringing back “Bite-Sized Pods,” – […]

Ayurveda Practitioner Kate O’Donnell joins Self-Care expert Dr. MC on this delightful episode. Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago, meaning knowledge of life. A primary principle of Ayurveda is to connect the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda and self-care go hand in hand. As with the true meaning of self-care, we strive to tune in to all aspects of our being. “Self-care is seen as the foundational work required for physical and emotional well-being. Self-care is associated with positive physical health, emotional well-being, and mental health” (Cook-Cottone, 2015, p. 297). […]

Dr. MC chatted about understanding body grief with expert Brianna (Bri) Campos, LPC. Dr. MC knows firsthand the realities of body grief from her eating disorder recovery journey. Mourning the loss of a fantasized “ideal” body can be confusing, painful, challenging, and more. Bri also knows this firsthand and turned her experience into a way to help others. Her work is essential in helping folks understand the reality of body grief. Her process for body grief is powerful. This is not just for folks healing from an eating disorder, as many struggle with their relationship with their body. Bri is […]

If you have trouble finding time to practice self-care, maybe you need a new system. Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan joins us on the podcast today to discuss avoiding burnout through systems. Setting clear boundaries and systems to keep yourself on track is so important. The Drs chat about ways to do this and more in this engaging episode. Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, founder and CEO of Dr. Karen, LLC, a company focused on empowering educators to support language, literacy, executive functioning, and cognitive wellness. She currently offers online professional development focused on helping K-12 therapists (SLPs, psychologists, social workers, and other service […]

If you have felt stressed, you have experienced a hormonal imbalance. Hormones are often not discussed but are so crucial to optimal well-being. Dr. Claudia Welch, author of the impactful “Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life,” joins us on the podcast today. The Drs. cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from maintaining hormone health, healing from an imbalance, accessing your true essence, and getting to the root of what possesses you. Dr. MC found Dr. Welch’s book life-changing in her journal to re-balancing her hormones after stopping hormonal birth control. Dr. Welch has been a lifelong student of […]

You may know her as The Cranky Therapist on social media, but Jess Sprengle is anything but cranky in this episode. This fun conversation covers a lot of ground, from why we don’t prioritize mental health, healing from an eating disorder, the importance of therapy, and the inspiration behind The Cranky Therapist. Jess and Dr. MC tackle these topics with honesty, grace and a dash of humor. Jess Sprengle owns and operates a private practice specializing in the care and treatment of adolescents, young adults, adults, and families impacted by eating disorders, disordered eating, body image disturbances, and adjacent issues. […]

Learning to move joyfully is a vital well-being component. Dr. Lisa Folden shares many fabulous tips and aspects of her healing journey in today’s episode; it is a must-listen. The Drs covered a lot of ground in this exciting conversation from health at every size, joyful movement, fat acceptance, intuitive eating, anti-diet, and more! And remember, if you are looking to work on your relationship with your body…you gotta get naked! Dr. Lisa is a superstar, and chatting with her on the podcast was an honor. Dr. Lisa Folden is a North Carolina licensed physical therapist, NASM-certified behavior change specialist, […]

In this very special episode, we chat with Anna Maria Melito, M.Ed., the fabulous mom of Dr. MC! Anna Maria is a retired veteran teacher of 32 years. In honor of Mother’s Day, Dr. MC and her mom discussed incorporating self-care in the classroom. She offers great tips and ideas for how to do this without losing your mind. We know that self-care is other care, and to meet the needs of your students and the demands of the profession, you have to prioritize your needs. Resources Cheryl Richardson’s Website Anna Maria’s Instagram Dr. MC’s Podcast on Boundaries Episode Transcript

Do you have sacred spaces? A space where you feel most at home, safe and free? Maybe even a couple of places. Massy Paulino and Dr. MC find that sacred space when dancing. Today’s episode is with dancer and entrepreneur extraordinaire Massy Paulino. Massy is the Director of Ritmos Dance Studio & licensed social worker. Massy describes herself as a dance teacher turned therapist whose main goal is to bring movement to the lives of others for healing. She recently completed her dance/movement therapy certification, which has sparked an entrepreneurial adventure to shed light on expressive therapies and expand the […]

I am delighted to share my interview with Michelle Sullivan to round out our bonus birthday content. Michelle shares her journey to embrace her body, practice yoga and become an instructor. She is breaking down barriers and teaching folks that yoga is for every BODY. Many folks shy away from yoga because they believe they must look a certain way, be young, and be super flexible. Well, that is not true. Michelle Sullivan is a plus-sized, body-positive yoga teacher. She teaches Yin, Restorative, Vinyasa, and Hatha forms of yoga. In her classes, she focuses on creating an environment that is […]

Have you ever experienced a health issue that traditional Western medicine couldn’t heal? Today’s guest, Courtney LaCava, did, and she turned to the ancient healing modality of Ayurveda to heal her chronic fatigue. Healing the body with Ayurveda is a powerful practice. Courtney is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Certified Health Coach, and mama to two little boys. Courtney discovered Ayurveda through her own health crisis in 2005.  Ayurveda means “the wisdom of life” and dates back 5,000 years ago to India. A sister science of yoga, it teaches us how to thrive (not just survive) in our overwhelming modern world. This […]