Nope, That's Not Normal

63. Fat Positive Fertility and Navigating Diet Culture in Fertility Care

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jess and Nicola talk about systemic barriers to fertility care and support for folks in fat bodies, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical strategies for navigating healthcare systems where weight stigma is far too common.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
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Subscribe to Nope on Substack: http://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Nicola

Nicola Salmon (she/her) is an award-winning fertility advocate, Author of “Fat and Fertile” and fat-positive fertility specialist. She is passionate about supporting fat folks who feel excluded or dismissed by traditional fertility spaces, offering compassionate guidance and evidence-based support to help them navigate their fertility journey without diets, shame, or stigma. Nicola’s work challenges weight bias in the fertility industry and empowers people to trust their bodies and take control of their reproductive health.

62. The Messy Middle of Disordered Eating Healing

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jess and Mallary chat about the complexities of disordered eating and the healing journey. They explore personal experiences with food, the concept of the 'messy middle' in recovery, and the importance of recognizing “slips” as part of the healing process. Bottom line: for many people, recovery is not a linear path but rather a spectrum of growth and learning, and recognizing this can make the journey a little easier to navigate.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Mallary

Mallary Tenore Tarpley teaches journalism at UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication and writing at the McCombs School of Business.

Her debut book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery (Simon Element, August 2025), blends memoir and journalism to explore the realities of eating disorders and recovery, drawing on her own story along with clinicians, researchers, and others with lived experience. A 2023 Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant supported the book’s science reporting on the neurobiological and genetic sides of eating disorders.

She previously served as associate director of UT Austin’s Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas and executive director of Images & Voices of Hope, where she created the Restorative Narrative storytelling framework. She began her career at The Poynter Institute as managing editor of Poynter.org.

Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, TIME, and Teen Vogue. She also writes a weekly newsletter, Write at the Edge.

She holds a bachelor’s from Providence College and an MFA from Goucher College, and lives in the Austin area with her husband and two children.

61. Rediscovering Your Style as Part of Body Image Healing

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jess and Zariel talk about Zariel’s journey of exploring clothing as a healing tool, challenging societal norms, and embracing authentic self-expression. Tune into our conversation to discover how style can be a powerful form of self-care and body positivity.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/
Subscribe on Substack: http://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Zariel

Zariel Grullón is a passionate first-generation Dominican American dietitian who blends her love for culinary heritage with accessible wellness. Growing up as the family’s gordita, she understands cultural body image struggles and helps the Latine community embrace their bodies and confidently reclaim their cultural foods.

Through her weight-neutral, Spanglish-infused approach at Love Your Chichos, Zariel guides individuals to heal from dieting and find joy in their health journey. With experience ranging from the farm to outpatient care, she empowers her clients to tackle health while honoring their culture and independence.

Zariel holds a BS in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and completed her DI at the CUNY School of Public Health.

https://www.instagram.com/loveyourchichos
https://www.instagram.com/zarielcarmen/

60. Talking to Kids About the Word Fat

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Oona discuss the nuance of the word “fat” and how to talk about this with children. Oona shares practical tips and strategies for teaching children about this word, both generally and in the moment. (Hint: don’t rush to move past it or say it’s bad!) Whether you want to set this foundation with your own child or you work with or spend time with children, this is a must-listen conversation.

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Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

59. Attachment Styles, Food, and Body Image

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica, Vanessa, and Kathryn explore the intricate relationship between attachment styles, food, and body image. Together, they share personal experiences with food and body image along with insights and education around the impact of attachment styles on emotional well-being. Tune in to understand attachment styles as a tool for healing and practical suggestions to explore your own relationships with food and self-worth.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
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Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

58. Chronic Illness Healing Minus the Diet Culture BS

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica chats with Ashantis Jones about her journey navigating eating disorder recovery and chronic illness. They talk about the societal pressures surrounding body image, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical steps for creating more mindfulness (and why this is important) and unlearning the social and systemic BS.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

57. A Body Image Researcher Shares Her Tips for Parents

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Charlotte (who is celebrating the launch of The Body Image Book for Girls, 2nd Edition today!) chat about how to foster a positive, neutral, or at the very least non-diet-culture-focused body image for your child. Charlotte brings research-based insights to this conversation, along with her own experiences as a parent. One of her big tips: fake it till you make it! (Yup, it’s true!)

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Charlotte

Charlotte Markey, Ph.D., is a world-leading expert in body image research, having studied body image and eating behavior for nearly three decades. She is passionate about understanding what makes us feel good about our bodies and helping people to develop a healthy body image and relationship with food. Charlotte is an experienced book author, research scientist, clinician, speaker, and psychology professor at Rutgers University, Camden.

Charlotte loves to talk with tweens, teens, parents, and educators about body image and how to improve body image. She is an experienced public speaker and is happy to talk with groups in person or virtually.

56. 3 Reasons to Skip the Next "What I Eat in a Day" Video You See

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Tomesha explore the impact of social media on body image and nutrition, specifically the very common “what I eat in a day” video—even those that are “well-meaning.”

They chat about the lack of cultural context and representation in these videos, along with the dangers of diet culture and practical ways to foster a healthier relationship with food and self-awareness.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Tomesha

For over a decade, Tomesha Campbell has been a leader in Black women’s health and health literacy. She’s the founder of the Enhance Black Women’s Health Community, where she helps patients, providers, and advocates better understand how research, policy, and lived experience shape care for Black women.

Tomesha is passionate about creating evidence-informed education and community spaces that challenge assumptions in healthcare and center context over quick fixes. Her work spans public health education, weight-inclusive nutrition, and patient-centered advocacy. Tomesha holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable International Development and is a NESTA Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach and Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Coach. She’s based in the Greater Boston area with her rescue dog, Penny Deena.

EBWHCommunity.com
https://substack.com/@ebwh

55. PCOS and Intuitive Eating

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Julie explore...

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Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Julie

Julie Duffy Dillon is a Registered Dietitian and Host of Find Your Food Voice®, a popular long running nutrition podcast. She also writes the PCOS Health with Intuitive Eating Newsletter on Substack. Through speaking and writing, she helps people with PCOS strategize how to balance blood sugar, increase energy, and improve their body image. Her work has been featured on TLC and in the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Shape and other outlets. She is the author of the book, Find Your Food Voice (Hachette, 2025.) Learn more about Julie at JulieDuffyDillon.com

Website: https://julieduffydillon.com/
Newsletter: https://findyourfoodvoice.substack.com/
Podcast: https://julieduffydillon.com/podcast/
Book: https://julieduffydillon.com/book/
Book bonus downloads: https://findyourfoodvoicebook.com

Making Movement Neutral, Nourishing and Playful

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Marcia explore the journey of body acceptance and the importance of redefining movement. They discuss the toxic aspects of fitness culture, the need to understand health beyond just exercise, and how movement can be viewed as a form of play rather than punishment. The conversation emphasizes listening to one's body and recognizing the societal pressures that shape our beliefs about fitness and health.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Marcia

Dr Marcia Dernie (she/they) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, accessible yoga teacher, child of Haitian immigrants, dancer, and chronically ill strength athlete. Their book Movement for Every Body serves as an inclusive roadmap for folks of all abilities, shades, and sizes to enjoy movement. She also provides free and affordable online resources to help folks move better through her platform @MoveWithMarcia.

* https://www.doctormarcia.com/links

* https://www.instagram.com/MoveWithMarcia

A Chat on Neutral Aging (Because Aging is a Privilege)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Deb explore the complex relationship between aging, body image, and societal expectations. They discuss the impact of diet culture and ageism on women’s perceptions of their bodies, the influence of celebrities on body image, and the importance of body autonomy. The conversation also touches on the fear of mortality, the privilege of aging, and the challenges of navigating menopause.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Deb

Deb Benfield, M.Ed., RDN, LDN, RYT is a registered dietitian/nutrition therapist, eating disorder specialist, and author of the book Unapologetic Aging: How to Mend and Nourish Your Relationship with Your Body. With over 40 years of experience, Deb helps women in midlife and beyond untangle from diet culture, resist internalized ageism, and cultivate body liberation.

Her work blends evidence-based nutrition, embodiment practices, and deep compassion to support women in building a peaceful and respectful relationship with food, movement, and their changing bodies. Deb is also the founder of Body in Mind Nutrition, a group practice dedicated to eating disorder prevention and recovery.

She’s been featured on podcasts including Burnt Toast, The Midlife Feast, and The Full Plate, where she speaks about how diet culture infiltrates menopause and longevity spaces, the hidden risks of ageism, and why women in midlife are uniquely vulnerable to eating disorders.

Passionate about helping women feel at home in themselves, Deb’s mission is to empower others to approach aging not with fear, but with vitality, freedom, and body respect.

* https://www.debrabenfield.com

* https://www.instagram.com/agingbodyliberation/

* https://substack.com/@debbenfield1

Body Neutrality, Autonomy and Advocacy in a World Obsessed With GLP-1s

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Virgie explore the complexities of body neutrality, the impact of fat phobia, and the rise of GLP-1s as a weight loss solution. They discuss the historical context of diet culture, the allure of quick fixes, and the importance of body autonomy. Tovar emphasizes the need for empathy in discussions about weight loss while advocating for a long-term perspective on body positivity and activism. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating societal pressures and the importance of informed choices regarding body image and health.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Virgie

Virgie Tovar is a plus-size Latina author, lecturer, and leading expert on weight-based discrimination and body positivity with over a decade of experience. She is a contributor for Forbes.com where she covers the plus-size market and how to end weight discrimination at work.

In 2011, Tovar completed a Master’s degree focused on the study of how weight-based discrimination impacted lifelong gender trajectories in women of color. In 2012, she edited the anthology Hot & Heavy: Fierce Fat Girls on Life, Love and Fashion (Seal Press). In 2013 she started the hashtag campaign #LoseHateNotWeight, and in 2018 Tovar gave a TedX talk on the origins of the campaign.

She’s the author of You Have the Right to Remain Fat (Feminist Press, 2018), which was placed on the American Library Association’s Amelia Bloomer List, The Self-Love Revolution: Radical Body Positivity for Girls of Color (New Harbinger, 2020), and an interactive book, The Body Positive Journal (Chronicle Books, 2022).

Tovar was named one of the 50 most influential feminists by B***h Magazine in 2018. She has received the Inspire Award from Project HEAL as well as Yale’s Poynter Fellowship in Journalism. Virgie has been featured by the New York Times, Tech Insider, BBC, MTV, NPR, and Yahoo Health. She lives in San Francisco. Please include all the links you want included in our shownotes.

* virgietovar.substack.com

* instagram.com/virgietovar

Body Image Isn’t Just a “Girl Thing" - Men Struggle Too

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Aaron get into the complexities of body image from a male perspective. They explore the journey of body acceptance, the impact of diet culture, and the societal pressures that shape our views on masculinity and body image. Aaron shares his personal experiences and insights on navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, emotional expression, and community support in the healing journey, along with some practical strategies for other men to start healing too.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Aaron

Aaron Flores is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a private practice in Calabasas, CA. He uses a weight-inclusive approach in his work to help individuals learn how to make peace with food and their bodies. He is a Certified Body Trust® provider, the host of the Men Unscripted podcast, and writes the Substack, The Unscripted Journey

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronfloresrdn/

* Website: aaronfloresrdn.com

* Substack: aaronfloresrdn.substack.com

Your Body Neutral Survival Guide for the Holidays

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Katherine give you a strategy-packed episode to help navigate the holiday season as you’re healing your relationship with food and your body. They get into self-compassion, planning ahead, body image support tactics, and RAIN - an acronym you’ll want to know and remember.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Katherine

Katherine Metzelaar, MS, RDN, CD, is the founder of Bravespace Nutrition and a dietitian who helps women break free from dieting, body shame, and disordered eating. Since 2017, she has guided hundreds of people to rebuild body trust and discover joy beyond diet and wellness culture. Katherine exposes the hidden ways diet & wellness culture steal self-worth and offers a liberating perspective that leaves listeners feeling seen, validated, and empowered.

She is the creator of You’re Not Broken: A Beginner’s Body Image Healing Course For Women to help them transform their relationship to their body and Fearless Intimacy: a mini-course that empowers women to approach dating and intimate relationships with confidence, courage, and self-trust.

* https://www.instagram.com/katherinemetzelaar/

* https://www.youtube.com/katherinemetzelaar

* https://www.tiktok.com/@katherinemetzelaar

* www.bravespacenutrition.com

* https://www.bravespacenutrition.com/body-image-group

Watch The Conversation: The Body Neutrality Holiday Survival Guide

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

How Body Neutrality and Community Creates Space for Liberation

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Leslie discuss the journey toward body acceptance and neutrality through community and how this can support in overcoming societal pressures and systemic oppression. They explore how shared values and interests can foster connections that promote healing and liberation, the need for a supportive environment where individuals can thrive without the burden of unrealistic standards, and more.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Leslie

Leslie Jordan Garcia, MBA, MPH, CERDS, CPT (she/her) is a wellness strategist, certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach, and social justice consultant dedicated to healing and liberation. With dual master’s degrees in Business and Public Health and over a decade of experience across military, public health, and nonprofit sectors, Leslie brings depth and heart to her work. Through her practice, Liberati Wellness, she offers HAES®-aligned ED recovery coaching and inclusive movement support, while partnering with organizations like Austin Health Commons and the Hogg Foundation to embed equity and justice into health systems and helping professions, and currently as the Treatment Access Program Manager at Project HEAL.

* https://www.instagram.com/liberatiwellness/

How to Raise Body Neutral Kids

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Oona discuss the importance of body neutrality in parenting and how to create a supportive environment for children to develop a neutral relationship with their bodies. They explore the impact of societal messages on body image, the role of parents in modeling body acceptance, and practical strategies for navigating body-related conversations with children. Above all, Oona emphasizes the need for awareness, open dialogue, and the importance of fostering a body-neutral household.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Oona

Oona Hanson is a nationally recognized parent coach who supports families navigating diet culture and eating disorders. She is passionate about helping parents raise kids who have a healthy relationship with food and their body. A regular contributor to CNN, Oona has been featured widely, including on Good Morning America, The Washington Post, USA Today, US News & World Report, People, and Parents Magazine. Oona holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology and a Master’s Degree in English. She writes the Parenting Without Diet Culture newsletter and will publish her first book in 2026 with Cambridge University Press. She is a mother of two and lives in Los Angeles.

* www.oonahanson.com

* https://www.instagram.com/oona_hanson

Food Noise is Neutral... If You're Feeding Yourself

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Christyna explore food noise, GLP-1 medications, and hunger signals. Christyna shares the potential dangers of malnutrition, as a result of trying to mitigate that “food noise” with GLP-1s, along with strategies to check in with yourself and connect with your hunger and fullness cues.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Christyna

Christyna Johnson is a registered dietitian based in Dallas, Texas. Using social media, Christyna has taught thousands how to feel peace and enjoyment around food. She has made it her mission as a dietitian to teach her clients how to have fun with food again. She specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and intuitive eating. When she’s not being a dietitian, she can be found with a good book, tending to her vegetable garden, or exploring nature.

* https://www.instagram.com/encouragingdietitian

* https://encouragingdietitian.com

Understanding the Body Image Healing Spectrum

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Mallory explore the idea that body image exists on a spectrum—and, as Mallory puts it, is not a destination but an ongoing relationship. They discuss the nuances of body positivity and neutrality and the emotional experiences tied to body image. Plus, they share practical tips for healing, the impact of societal norms, and how to let go of what’s expected to just let your body be.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Mallory

Mallory Page is a non-diet dietitian and the founder of Live Unrestricted, guiding people in tuning out diet culture and listening to their own bodies so they can feel comfortable in their skin and confident in their choices with food and movement.

Through her coaching, programs, podcast, Seems Like Diet Culture, and social media, she provides practical guidance on intuitive eating and body acceptance. Her approach removes the stress around food and body image so people can spend their energy on what truly brings them joy. Please include all the links you want included in our shownotes. I

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malloryjpage/?hl=en

* Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@malloryjpage?lang=en

* Website: https://liveunrestricted.org/

* Free Discovery Call: https://liveunrestricted.org/discovery-call

* Podcast: https://liveunrestricted.org/podcast

Watch The Conversation: Understanding the Body Image Healing Spectrum

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

F*ck “Flattering:” Ditch Outdated Fashon Rules to Feel Good in Your Clothes

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Dacy explore the complexities of body image, self-acceptance, and how all of that intersects with personal style. They discuss the impact of societal beauty standards, the journey towards body neutrality, and practical tips for dressing in a way that feels authentic and comfortable.

Their conversation emphasizes the importance of buying clothes that fit, embracing individuality, and the mental and emotional work involved in shifting perspectives on body image and fashion so you can truly say “f*ck flattering!” and dress for you!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Dacy

As a weight inclusive, anti-diet personal stylist, Dacy Gillespie helps her clients reject fashion rules and ideal standards of beauty imposed by the patriarchy, white supremacism, and capitalism so that they can uncover their authentic style.

Through their work building a functional wardrobe, Dacy’s clients make a mindset shift from thinking they need to wear what’s flattering to unapologetically taking up space in the world. After a lifetime of jobs in high-stress careers that didn’t suit her highly-sensitive, introverted personality, Dacy started mindful closet in 2013 in an attempt to create a more emotionally sustainable lifestyle.

Her work has been featured in Forbes, Real Simple, New York Magazine’s The Strategist, and Lifehacker, and she is a frequent podcast guest. Dacy lives with her husband and two children in St. Louis, Missouri.

* dacygillespie.substack.com

* mindfulcloset.com

* instagram.com/mindfulcloset

The Misconceptions of Body Neutrality

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Melanie explore the concept of body neutrality, including personal experiences with body image, the impact of diet culture, and the challenges of navigating public perception in the age of social media. Melanie shares her journey towards body neutrality, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the emotional toolkit needed to handle criticism.

They also dig into misconceptions about body neutrality and intuitive eating, highlighting that choosing neutrality does not equate to neglecting health or well-being.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Melanie

Melanie Knights, she/they, is the host of The Culture Of It All, a podcast that explores what it really means to ditch diet culture whilst living life in a larger body. As someone who has spent their entire life somewhere on the fat spectrum, and too many years to count participating in harmful and disordered behaviour, she looks at the ways diet culture affects every part of our lives. Melanie – a fashion enthusiast – is also a fierce advocate for size-inclusive fashion, and challenges the politics and current erasure of plus sizes across the fashion industry through her TikTok content.

https://tiktok.com/melanieknights

https://uk.pinterest.com/cultureofitallpod/

https://instagram.com/cultureofitallpod

Season 4 Intro: Living Between Extremes

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:11:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica introduces us to the season 4 theme of Living Between Extremes and why she feels finding body neutrality in a world stuck between thin obsession and body love is more important now than ever before. She also talks through a few of the conversations you can expect to hear in the next few weeks! Bonus: find out what our question of the season is so you can start thinking about it for yourself as a tool for deeper healing.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Host, Jessica

Jessica is the founder and CEO of Echeveria Organic, host of Nope, That’s Not Normal, and a published author. After going through her own disordered eating and trauma-healing journey—and spending more than 13 years working in content marketing—she now helps mental health and eating disorder recovery organizations amplify their message with authentic and intentional content marketing. Find her on:

Instagram: @JessicaThiefels

Instagram: @NopeThatsNotNormal.

Let's Talk About How Inner Child Work Unravels Diet Culture BS

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Megan chat about body image, inner child work, and the emotional complexities surrounding food and relationships. Megan shares her postpartum body image struggles and emphasizes the importance of reparenting and self-compassion in healing. Throughout the conversation, they explore how inner child wounds can manifest in adult relationships and eating behaviors and offer practical tools for listeners to navigate their own emotional landscapes.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Megan

Megan is a licensed psychotherapist and coach who specializes in helping individuals heal childhood trauma, regulate their nervous system, and create deep, meaningful relationships. She we all deserve compassion and have the capacity for growth, connection, and empathy.

* http://instagram.com/connectwithmegan

* connect-with-megan.com

When Diet Culture Hijacks Your Nervous System and How to Heal

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:35:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Beatriz dig into the intricate relationship between the nervous system, emotional health, and disordered eating. Béa shares her journey as a holistic nurse practitioner and how she discovered the importance of understanding the nervous system in relation to food and body image. They discuss the pervasive influence of diet culture, the significance of self-awareness, and practical tools for healing and mindfulness. Together, they reiterate the need for a compassionate approach and the importance of listening to the body's signals.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Beatriz

Beatriz (Béa) Victoria Albina, NP, MPH, SEP (she/her) is a UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, author of the forthcoming "End Emotional Outsourcing: a Guide to Overcoming Codependent, Perfectionist and People Pleasing Habits" (expected Sept 30, Hachette Balance) and Breathwork Meditation Guide with a passion for helping humans socialized as women to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems and rewire their minds, so they can break free from codependency, perfectionism and people pleasing and reclaim their joy.

She is the host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast, holds a Masters degree in Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and a BA in Latin American Studies from Oberlin College. Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Béa grew up in the great state of Rhode Island. She has been working in health & wellness for over 20 years and lives with her wife, Billey Albina.

* Website

* Instagram: @beatrizvictoriaalbinanp

* Podcast: Feminist Wellness

* Facebook

* LinkedIn

Wait, Do I Actually Care About Being Thinner?

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:37:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Dr. Lisa Folden explore personal experiences with disordered eating, the importance of awareness in movement, and how to let go of the need to control body size by understanding the deeper emotional connections tied to body image. They talk a lot about trust, surrender, and doing that deeper work!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Lisa

Dr. Lisa N. Folden is a North Carolina licensed physical therapist, NASM certified behavior change specialist and Anti-diet Health & Body Image Coach. She owns Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants in Charlotte, NC where she provides trauma-informed and weight-inclusive care to clients in diverse bodies and those in eating disorder recovery.

As a health at every size (HAES®️) ambassador and movement expert, Dr. Folden assists clients seeking healthier lifestyles. Her weight-neutral approach encourages intuitive eating, joyful movement, body acceptance and breaking up with toxic diet culture.

Dr. Lisa is a mom of three, published author and speaker whose goal is to see as many people as possible living their best lives without worrying about their weight!

A regular contributor to articles on topics related to physical therapy, health, wellness, self-care, motherhood, body image and fat-friendly healthcare, Dr. Folden has had the distinct honor of being featured in Oprah Magazine, Shape Magazine, New York Times and several other publications and was selected as one of Charlotte’s 50 Most Dynamic Women.

She is the co-host of the Feeling Lighter Podcast by WeShape, and a member of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists, the Association of Size Diversity & Health and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

* https://www.healthyphit.com

* https://www.instagram.com/HealthyPhit

* https://www.facebook.com/HealthyPhit

Self-Talk is More Important Than a Workout (Seriously!)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:14:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Dr. Jenna DiLossi discuss the complexities of body image and the critical role of self-talk in shaping our perceptions and behaviors. They delve into how societal pressures and personal experiences shape our self-image, as well as the importance of self-compassion. They get into the science behind self-talk, the impact of repetition on our beliefs, and practical strategies for building awareness of our thoughts. Becase this IS a skill that can be learned!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Jenna

Dr. Jenna DiLossi is the co-founder and clinical director of the Center for Hope & Health, LLC., an outpatient treatment center located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. She specializes in cognitive-behavioral treatment models for eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and other anxiety-related concerns.

Dr. DiLossi is licensed as both a clinical psychologist and professional counselor in Pennsylvania with additional credentialing as a board certified specialist in Behavioral & Cognitive Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology, a Diplomate CBT-Certified Therapist and Trainer/Consultant through the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies, and a certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist and Supervisor through the University of Pennsylvania.

* https://www.centerforhopeandhealth.com/our-team/jenna-dilossi/

* https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jenna-dilossi-ardmore-pa/183953

* https://mindingyourmind.org/clinician/jenna-dilossi-psy-d-lpc/

* https://cbicenterforeducation.com/instructors/jenna-dilossi-psyd-abpp

* https://www.cbte.co/therapist/dilossi-jenna/

* https://iocdf.org/providers/dilossi-jenna/

* https://www.instagram.com/evidencebasedbesties

* https://www.amazon.com/Comorbid-Eating-Disorders-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1009186876

Confidence, Plus-Size Fashion, and Dressing Your Own Way

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:30:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Jeanette, chat about the complexities of body image, fashion, and self-acceptance. Jeannette shares her personal journey, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of navigating body positivity in a society that often imposes unrealistic standards. They explore the importance of dressing for yourself, breaking fashion norms, and the therapeutic aspects of fashion. The conversation also touches on the need for more accessible fashion options for all body types and the significance of community in fostering self-love and acceptance including Jeanette’s list of plus-size brands creating the best option right now!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Jeanette

Jeannette is a local creative, mover & shaker, community organizer, and advocate on building up community, and sharing the richness and diversity of the arts in our local communities. Jeannette is a co-founder of Fat Babes club of Columbus, (a social group that hosts body positive and body neutrality events, She is also a social media collaborator and host Of Opera-isms Podcast at Opera Columbus. In 2023 Jeannette was nominated and awarded Influencer of the year by The Columbus Fashion Council and serves on the board of directors for 934 Gallery.

* https://www.instagram.com/jeannetteyconfettii

* https://www.tiktok.com/@jeannettyconfetti

Let's Erase Everything You Ever Learned About Working Out

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Jenna Doak share their experiences with exercise addiction, the impact of diet culture, and their transformation towards a more joyful and intuitive approach to fitness. They dig into the societal pressures surrounding body image, the significance of holistic health, and the need for joy in movement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the social determinants of health and how they affect our well-being—zooming out from movement as the only way to take care of your body, as diet culture could have us believe.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Jenna

Jenna Doak is a body-positive personal trainer and the founder of Body Positive Fitness, a judgment-free fitness studio and online coaching community. With over 20 years in the industry, Jenna is on a mission to dismantle toxic fitness and diet culture, creating spaces where people of all sizes, abilities, and backgrounds can move their bodies with joy, without the pressure of weight loss. Through their in-person and virtual training programs, social media presence, and educational content, she’s redefining what it means to be strong, capable, and confident.

* www.bodypositivefitness.ca

* https://www.instagram.com/bodypositivefitness_/

* TikTok: @bodypositivefitness

* YouTube: Body Positive Fitness

* www.bodypositivefitness.ca/newsletter

The Big Picture of Body Liberation and the Small Shifts That Matter

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Chrissy dig into the complexities of body image, diet culture, and the concept of body liberation. They share about personal experiences with diet culture, the societal pressures surrounding body image, and the importance of understanding health beyond individual control. Chrissy emphasizes the need for collective liberation and the systemic issues that affect marginalized bodies, while also addressing the significance of body autonomy and the challenges of navigating societal expectations regarding body size and health.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guest, Chrissy

Chrissy King is a writer, speaker, educator, and former strength coach with a passion for creating a diverse and inclusive wellness industry. She is also the author of The Body Liberation Project. Through her work, Chrissy empowers individuals to stop shrinking, start taking up space, and use their energy to create their specific magic in the world. She also writes for a variety of platforms including Shape, Health, SELF, and PopSugar, among others. With degrees in social justice and sociology from Marquette University, Chrissy merges her passion for social just

ice with her passion for wellness to inspire people to create spaces that allow individuals from all backgrounds to feel seen, welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated.

* https://chrissyking.com/book/

* Chrissyking.com

* https://www.instagram.com/iamchrissyking/

* https://www.tiktok.com/@iamchrissyking

Body + Baby: Ditching Food Rules in Pregnancy and Postpartum

Thu, 08 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

As our first mini-series, we’re making this available to all subscribers. However, all future mini-series (2-3 each year) are available to paid subscribers only! If you want to get more special content like this, make sure you upgrade as a paying Substack subscriber for $5/month or $50/year.

In our final mini-series episode, Jessica, Becca, and Kayla discuss the complexities of hunger, eating, and food rules during pregnancy and postpartum. They emphasize the importance of nourishing oneself, the normalization of cravings, and the need for support in managing nutrition.

The conversation also touches on the impact of diet culture on food choices and the significance of satisfaction in eating (because food is more than fuel). Bottom line: you need to eat, friend—and you’ll leave with some practical strategies for combatting the little voice in your mind that says otherwise.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guests: Becca

Forward movement requires modern ways of thinking.

Which is why Becca, combined her clinical training in psychotherapy models with holistic tools and spiritual practices to create her Forward Model of Change. With a commitment to show up in her humanness so you can too, Becca offers you permission to shift your patterns and propel yourself forward.

Becca is a Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Therapist and Coach for wholeness seekers, trapped achievers, karmic breakers, family shakers, and emotional feelers, and the founder of Forward Healing, where we offer modern tools + personalized models for Therapy and After-Therapy.

* https://www.instagram.com/_beccapost/

* https://www.instagram.com/fh_therapy/

* https://www.instagram.com/fh_aftertherapy/

* https://forwardhealing.co/

Meet Our Guests: Kayla

Kayla Jessop is an Anti-Diet registered dietitian, eating disorder specialist, and approved supervisor. With extensive experience working in various levels of care including PHP, IOP and outpatient groups, she specializes in helping individuals of all ages regain peace with food and body. She will never tell you to deprive yourself or ban certain foods from your life. Instead, her mission is to help you recognize diet culture and help you rediscover your body's inner wisdom about how to truly nourish yourself.

Kayla is passionate about utilizing the latest research to help her clients’ recovery and additionally teaching more clinicians the same. Kayla co-facilitated NYC’s first RO-DBT (Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy) class and is continuing that work in Utah. In June 2023, Kayla was invited to present at the first annual RO DBT Conference in Chicago on the success of utilizing this modality in eating disorder recovery.

She has had the opportunity to curate an amazing team of dietitians who are continuing to develop and use RO DBT in practice as well. Each member of the team brings a unique skillset to the practice and to their clients.

* https://www.kaylajessopnutrition.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/kaylajessopnutrition/

* https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083365267617 https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylajnutrition

* https://www.youtube.com/@Kaylajessopnutrition

* https://www.ro4rd.com/

Body + Baby: The BS of Bounce-Back Culture and Embracing Your Body

Wed, 07 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-series episode, Jess, Kayla, and Becca chat about the societal pressures of bounce-back culture, personal experiences with body changes, and the impact of social media and diet culture during this (already challenging) season of life.

We dig into the importance of reframing movement and exercise postpartum, cultural perspectives on postpartum care, and practical strategies for embracing your body as it changes. (Which is natural and normal!) If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about “bouncing back,” or want to prepare for it, this episode is for you.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guests: Becca

Forward movement requires modern ways of thinking.

* https://www.instagram.com/_beccapost/

* https://www.instagram.com/fh_therapy/

* https://www.instagram.com/fh_aftertherapy/

* https://forwardhealing.co/

Meet Our Guests: Kayla

* https://www.kaylajessopnutrition.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/kaylajessopnutrition/

* https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083365267617 https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylajnutrition

* https://www.youtube.com/@Kaylajessopnutrition

* https://www.ro4rd.com/

Body + Baby: How to Navigate Pregnancy When Your Body Feels Like a Stranger

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-series episode, Jessica, Becca, and Kayla dig into the challenges of navigating body image during pregnancy, particularly for those with a history of disordered eating or those who experience body and food anxieties during this season of life.

They share personal experiences, the emotional toll of body changes, and practical strategies for managing these feelings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing ourselves to grieve the changes, trust the body's needs, and reject cultural pressures around body image during pregnancy. (UGH, there’s so much of it!)

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Subscribe on Substack to get all of our podcast episodes plus more fresh content each week! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Meet Our Guests: Becca

Forward movement requires modern ways of thinking.

* https://www.instagram.com/_beccapost/

* https://www.instagram.com/fh_therapy/

* https://www.instagram.com/fh_aftertherapy/

* https://forwardhealing.co/

Meet Our Guests: Kayla

* https://www.kaylajessopnutrition.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/kaylajessopnutrition/

* https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083365267617 https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylajnutrition

* https://www.youtube.com/@Kaylajessopnutrition

* https://www.ro4rd.com/

Watch The Conversation About Navigating Your Pregnancy Body on Substack! https://nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/

Update: Paid Subscription Option is here! 🪩

Thu, 01 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Hey friend,

We’ve been building this corner of the internet with care, curiosity, and a deep commitment to honest, thoughtful conversations. And today, we’re taking a big (and exciting!) step forward: we’re launching paid subscriptions on our Substack!

Let’s be real—creating content that pushes back on the diet culture BS, uplifts marginalized voices, and goes beyond surface-level body love? That takes time, energy, and a whole lot of heart. We love doing it. And we want to do more of it—with your support.

So what changes, and what stays the same? Let’s break it down, friends.

Upgrade by EOD today and get 20% off an annual subscription!

🔓 What Free Subscribers Will Still Get

We’re not about gatekeeping the good stuff. Our free tier will continue to include:

* Mid-Month Link Round-Up: Curated with intention—these are the articles, podcasts, essays, and more that we can’t stop thinking about.

* Guest Interviews (In-Season): Conversations with people who are challenging norms and reimagining what’s possible. (Season 3 is coming in June!)

* First Article of Every Month: One full-length article to kick off each month, delivered straight to your inbox.

You’ll always have access to meaningful content that sparks thought and invites reflection. But if you’re craving more? We got you.

🔐 What Paid Subscribers Get

The paid tier is where we really get to dig in and expand. Here’s what you’ll unlock for $5/month or $50/year:

* All Articles Every Month (4–5 total): You’ll get every deep dive, every hot take, every essay we publish.

* Bonus Episodes (During Season): We’ll drop a juicy bonus episode each week on top of our regular guest interviews. The formats for these shift and change with each season but one thing that never changes: they are ALWAYS value-packed. (Of course, that’s the only way we do it around here.)

* Exclusive Mini-Series (2–3 Between Seasons): These are authentic, real, and only for mini-series that allow paid subscribers to deep dive into topics that we want to shed more light on.

* Everything in the Free Tier, of course.

This paid tier is for the ones who show up every week, send the posts to friends, and tell us, “I wish there were more of this.” Now there is!

P.S. Upgrade by EOD today and get 20% off an annual subscription!

Why Go Paid?

Because independent media matters. Because nuance, care, and accountability are worth funding. Because creators (hi, it’s us!) should be able to do this work sustainably.

Your subscription allows us to invest more time, more depth and more creativity into the content we know you value.

We’re not here to put pressure on anyone. If free is where you’re at, we’re so glad you’re here. And if you’re ready to support the next chapter and unlock all the extras—we’re beyond grateful.

We can’t wait to keep building this space with you.

With love and big energy,

Jess Thiefels, Creator and Host

Body Changes and Body Shame

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Damali Fraser chat about the complex relationship between body image, food beliefs, and identity. They explore Damali's personal journey of self-discovery, healing from injuries, and the impact of societal expectations on body perception, particularly as a Black woman. The conversation highlights the importance of community, grief, and practical strategies for navigating body changes and fostering self-acceptance.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Damali

Meet Coach Damali, pronouns she/her. Damali is a compassionate Kettlebell Expert, author, speaker, fitness / nutrition coach and founder of Lift off Strength & Wellness. Damali is known for her unapologetic opposition to diet culture in the kettlebell community and as a passionate educator who will help you learn to train with kettlebells safely. Through her Inclusive Kettlebell Coach course and certification programs, you learn to teach kettlebells from an intersectional lens that's size-inclusive, trauma-informed, judgment-free, and for every BODY (emphasis on the body because humanity has always had body diversity).

* https://liftoffstrength.ca/

* https://liftoffstrength.ca/kettlebell-coach-training

* https://liftoffstrength.ca/inclusive-kettlebell-coach-certification

* https://www.instagram.com/damali.fraiser

Nope, Let's Rewire That: Body Gratitude Scan

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-episode, Jessica and Shannon chat about the practice of body gratitude, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and appreciation. They explore how tuning into our bodies can foster self-compassion and healing, moving away from critical body image thoughts.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Shannon

Shannon Ricks, LMFT, owns the group practice, Modern Eve, which offers therapy sessions to anyone located in Utah or Arizona. The practice focuses on helping people heal their relationships to food and their bodies by treating the underlying complex PTSD with IFS. She also has a Body Image Liberation course that is available to anyone in the world. And for therapists interested in this work, Modern Eve offers a therapist training program covering IFS, ACT, and the treatment of Eating Disorders.

* Download a free recording of me guiding a body gratitude scan so you can do it on your own time: www.moderneve.org/bodyscan

* www.ModernEve.org

* https://www.instagram.com/modern.eve.inc/

* https://moderneve.teachable.com/p/body-image-liberation

Cultural Foods and Food Anxiety

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jess and Zariel dig into the complex relationship between body image, food, and cultural identity. They explore how cultural foods can be perceived as dangerous due to societal pressures and personal experiences and how reclaiming these foods can foster a healthier relationship with both food and body image.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/Subscribe on Substack:

Meet Our Guest, Zariel

Zariel Grullón is a passionate first-generation Dominican American dietitian who blends her love for culinary heritage with accessible wellness. Growing up as the family's gordita, she understands cultural body image struggles and helps the Latine community embrace their bodies and confidently reclaim their cultural foods.

Zariel holds a BS in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a BS in Nutrition from Montclair State University and completed her DI at the CUNY School of Public Health.

* https://www.youtube.com/@loveyourchichos

* https://www.instagram.com/loveyourchichos

* https://www.tiktok.com/@loveyourchichos

* https://www.loveyourchichos.com/shop

Nope, Let's Rewire That: Pick Food Like You Pick Your Clothes

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-episode, Jessica and Paige chat about the importance of healing your relationship with food through the metaphor of getting dressed. Sound kind of weird? Trust us, it’s more connected than you think!

Their conversation highlights the need for non-judgmental curiosity in dressing and eating, encouraging listeners to explore their preferences and find joy in their choices. Bottom line: this is all about being authentically you!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Paige

Paige Smathers is a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Positive Nutrition, a private practice whose work revolves around helping people heal their relationships with food and their body. She specializes in eating disorders, chronic dieting, digestive health, and the intersection of mindfulness and nutrition.

* https://www.positive-nutrition.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/paigesmathersrd/

Functional Nutrition and Restrictive Eating

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 23:04:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Meg Bowman explore the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and the wellness industry. They dig into the challenges of navigating dietary restrictions, the importance of personalized nutrition, and the need for regulation in the face of overwhelming wellness messages. Meg shares her personal journey with Crohn's disease and the lessons she’s learned about the impact of food on health and well-being. Overall, their conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the mind-body connection and the risks associated with restrictive diets, advocating for a more balanced and individualized approach to nutrition. Yes, please!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Meg

Meg Bowman is a licensed dietitian nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) specializing in mental health and gastrointestinal wellness through a functional nutrition approach. Drawing from the principles of polyvagal theory, Meg helps clients build resilience and balance by addressing the mind-body connection through nutrition.

Meg is the author of the upcoming book, This Is Your Body on Trauma: How to Nourish Safety, Resilience, and Connection with Polyvagal-Informed Nutrition, available for pre-order on Amazon and set to release in August. The book offers practical guidance on how to use nutrition to support healing and foster a sense of safety and connection in the body. As a co-founder of Clinician's Incubator, Meg mentors and provides clinical supervision for post-graduate nutrition students pursuing their CNS credential. Meg is also a co-founder of Nutrition Hive, a medical nutrition therapy group practice specializing in mental health, gut health, and hormonal balance.

With a focus on evidence-based, weight-inclusive care, Meg and her team empower clients to achieve improved well-being without the pressures of diet culture. Through her work, Meg blends clinical expertise with compassion, creating environments where both clients and practitioners can thrive.

* https://www.megbowmannutrition.com/

* https://www.nutritionhive.health/

* https://www.facebook.com/NutritionHive/

* https://www.instagram.com/nutritionhive.health/?hl=en

* https://www.cliniciansincubator.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/cliniciansincubator/

* https://www.facebook.com/cliniciansincubator

Nope, Let's Rewire That: Spontaneous Gatherings

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-episode, Jessica, Vanessa, and Kathryn discuss the importance of spontaneous and imperfect gatherings in healing relationships with food and body image. They introduce a practice called 'pop-in', which encourages spontaneous gatherings to foster deeper connections and embrace imperfection. Tune in and connect the dots between these seemingly unrelated aspects of life!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guests, Vanessa and Kathryn

Vanessa Scaringi, PhD, CEDS-C, is a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX. Vanessa co-owns a group therapy practice called, CALM Counseling where she works with adolescents, young adults, and adult populations. Vanessa has dedicated much of her career to working in the eating disorder field. She is a relational psychologist who strives to understand the context of one’s eating disorder. By facilitating insight, Vanessa works with her clients to identify patterns and behaviors that interfere with living the life they want. She strives to instill a sense of hope, as she has found this is an important part of the change process. Vanessa also runs interpersonal process groups where clients can heal in community with others.

Kathryn Garland, LCSW-S, CEDS-C is a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor in Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. She is an IAEDP approved Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant. Kathryn spent her early career and completed postgraduate training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy in New York City. She incorporates relational and attachment-based methods into her work with clients. Her experience includes working with LGBTQ+ teens in the NYC foster care system, community mental health clinics, as well as primary therapist and IOP Program Coordinator at an eating disorder treatment center. Kathryn co-owns CALM Counseling in Austin, Texas with Vanessa.

* https://www.instagram.com/calmcounselingatx/ https://therapywisdom.com/product/hungry-for-security-healing-disordered-eating-through-an-attachment-lens/

* https://keepcalmatx.com/

ADHD and Eating Behavior

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Ellen explore the intricate relationship between disordered eating, ADHD, and the importance of building trust in one's body. They get into how ADHD can impact eating behaviors, including difficulties with hunger cues and executive functioning. Ellen shares personalized (and super practical!) strategies for meal planning and nutrition, emphasizing the need for compassion and gradual changes in one's relationship with food.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Ellen

Ellen is an Intuitive Eating and Eating Disorder Nutritionist who offers virtual services to clients around the US! She specializes in helping her clients form loving, compassionate relationships with food and their bodies.

* https://joyfullyfednutrition.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/yourantidietbff/

Watch The Conversation About ADHD and Eating Behavior

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Nope, Let's Rewire That: Move or Soothe

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-episode, Jessica and Stefanie discuss the “Move or Soothe” practice, which can help when navigating difficult emotional responses to food and eating—instead of spiraling, do this! They explore the concept of dysregulation in the nervous system and how it affects eating behaviors. Stefanie also provides practical techniques for addressing high energy and freeze responses, explaining what they are and why each response requires either moving or soothing.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Stefanie

Stefanie is a Certified Coach, Occupational Therapist, Intuitive Eating Counselor, and Somatic Experiencing Practitoner with a background in Human Development and Mental Health Psychology. Perhaps more importantly, she has

boots-on-the-ground experience with recovery from 20+ years of body and food disorder.

* Website: https://www.iamstefaniemichele.com/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele

Racism and Fatphobia

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Brittany Taylor-Williams discusses her journey of unlearning harmful beliefs about body image and the societal pressures surrounding it. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impact of cultural influences, particularly for Black women, and the historical context of fatphobia.

Jessica and Brittany also dig into the healthcare disparities faced by marginalized communities and the need for a shift in how health is perceived and treated in medical settings. They emphasize the need for personal introspection and community support in challenging these biases, including systemic issues within healthcare, like weight bias and the lack of access to diverse practitioners.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Brittany

As a seasoned healthcare leader, Brittany brings over 16 years of experience in leadership roles within the federal public health and non-profit sectors as an operations, technical assistance, and design expert. Throughout her career, Brittany has served as an investigator, senior-level leader, full-spectrum doula, facilitator, and avid patient advocate, working with health systems, administrators, and directly with patients on the front lines.

Currently, Brittany focuses on increasing access to patient-centered and trauma-informed care. With intention, she curates spaces that center underserved communities across the country and amplifies the need for autonomy within care. Brittany brings together diverse minds to expand thought, ground practice in cultural competency, and build pathways to accessing care, impacting the experience of both communities and practitioners navigating systems.

Her dedication extends beyond her professional roles; Brittany serves as a board member for Planned Parenthood of Delaware and Black Mothers In Power. Her ability to lead, think critically, and adapt to evolving challenges makes her an invaluable asset to any initiative aimed at transforming health.

* www.thebghc.org

* https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlhealthcollective/

Nope, Let's Rewire That: Inner Inquiry

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this mini-episode, Jessica and Melissa discuss the practice of Inner Inquiry, a method that encourages individuals to connect with their true selves by making choices based on what feels most authentic in the moment.

Melissa shares insights on how this practice can help in intuitive eating, building self-trust, and navigating daily decisions. They emphasize the importance of support in the healing journey and how grounding practices can help you learn how to connect back to yourself. The conversation highlights the joy of celebrating authenticity in personal choices and the transformative power of listening to your body in every aspect of life, from eating to getting dressed.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Melissa

Melissa Shafer, LMP, FNTP has more than 2 decades of experience working in the field of well-being. She prioritizes all of her clients being able to be the truest version of themselves possible. She strives to have that reflected in how she supports them with craniosacral massage and in the recommendations she provides her nutritional therapy clients.

With a food-neutral and all-bodies-are-good-bodies approach, she uses various tools to gain information about signs and symptoms the body is expressing and combines that with her clients lived experiences, always being mindful of stress and the nervous system.

This brings a whole-person approach to her nutritional therapy work, allowing people to be the experts of their own bodies and live into their wholeness.

* Website: melissashafer.com

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_melissashafer_/

Menopause and Dieting

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Jenn delve into the complexities of diet culture and body image during the transition into menopause and the experience of menopause itself. They dig into the misconceptions surrounding aging, the narratives that often accompany menopause, and the strategies for thriving during this time. Most importantly, they talk about the need for compassion and understanding as a woman experiencing these transitions and how wonderful the other side of menopause actually is!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Jenn

Dr. Jenn Salib Huber is a Canadian Registered Dietitian, Naturopathic Doctor, and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and she's on a mission to help women manage menopause without diets and food rules. She helps women navigate the physical and emotional changes that happen in perimenopause and menopause, including their search for food freedom and body confidence. Working from a health at every size approach, she teaches women to become intuitive eaters and build body confidence at any stage of midlife. In addition to her 1:1 and small group programs, she's the host of 'The Midlife Feast' podcast and community that helps women "undiet" their lives after 40 so they can nourish a relationship with food that helps them discover the magic of midlife.

* https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/themidlifefeastcommunity

* https://www.instagram.com/menopause.nutritionist

Nope, Let's Rewire That: Fear Foods

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this mini-episode, Jessica and Kayla Jessop discuss the concept of fear foods and how this can impact so many aspects of your life—in ways you may not even realize. Kayla introduces a method to categorize foods based on the anxiety they evoke and then explores the importance of challenging fear foods, understanding the motivations behind it, and the benefits of mindful exposure to these foods. The burden of food-related anxiety is real—tune in to start letting it go.

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Kayla

She will never tell you to deprive yourself or ban certain foods from your life. Instead, her mission is to help you recognize diet culture and help you rediscover your body's inner wisdom about how to truly nourish yourself. Kayla is passionate about utilizing the latest research to help her clients’ recovery and additionally teaching more clinicians the same. Kayla co-facilitated NYC’s first RO-DBT (Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy) class and is continuing that work in Utah.

In June 2023, Kayla was invited to present at the first annual RO DBT Conference in Chicago on the success of utilizing this modality in eating disorder recovery. She has had the opportunity to curate an amazing team of dietitians who are continuing to develop and use RO DBT in practice as well. Each member of the team brings a unique skillset to the practice and to their clients.

* https://www.kaylajessopnutrition.com/

* https://www.instagram.com/kaylajessopnutrition/

* https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083365267617 https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylajnutrition

* https://www.youtube.com/@Kaylajessopnutrition

* https://www.ro4rd.com/

Fitness Culture and Perfection

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Kelsey discuss the pervasive myths surrounding fitness culture, particularly the unrealistic expectations of perfection. They explore the importance of self-acceptance, flexibility in fitness goals, and the joy of movement. Kelsey shares her personal journey from a competitive athlete to a fitness coach who emphasizes intuitive eating and joyful movement (yes, please!).

You’ll walk away with an understanding of the need for a sustainable approach to fitness that prioritizes mental health and enjoyment over rigid standards and profit-driven motives. (And why that feels SO much better!)

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Thanks for listening to Nope, That's Not Normal! Subscribe for free to get all new episodes and articles delivered right to your inbox while supporting our work here!

Meet Our Guest, Kelsey

Meet Kelsey Ellis, the ultimate hype woman, armed with her body-positive fitness app and ready to lead you through the wellness journey back home to yourself.

Best known by her followers as “Healthy with Kelsey,” Kelsey is an award-winning, certified fitness trainer based in Vancouver, Canada. With her background as a holistic nutritionist, and anti-diet educator, she helps chronic dieters and exercisers liberate themselves from diet culture, build body confidence, and move their bodies unapologetically with joy! She will empower you to show up fiercely, let go of self-judgment, and discover your curvy confidence!

* Website/App: https://www.healthywithkelsey.app

* Instagram: @healthy_with_kelsey

* TikTok: @healthy_with_kelsey

* YouTube: Healthy With Kelsey

Welcome to Season 2!

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Welcome back, friends! In this episode, Jessica introduces Season Two of the podcast, focusing on the theme of Disordered Connections and Intersections related to disordered eating and body image struggles. Tune in to hear the run-down of what to expect (Hint: you’re still getting two episodes each week!) and how to join the NOPE Community!

* Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

* Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Season 1 Close-Out: The Ripple Effect of Healing & Power of Small Changes

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In the season finale of 'Nope That's Not Normal', Jessica shares about the ripple effect of healing. In it, she shares about the many resources, modalities, and practices that have impacted her disordered eating journey—but that had seemingly nothing to do with her disordered eating. She talks about mindful self-compassion, the ripple effect of small changes, various therapeutic practices that have supported her, how to rewire negative thought patterns, and the significance of understanding one's past. Ultimately, Jessica encourages listeners to embrace their healing journey, reminding them that it takes time and that every step counts towards a more joyful and authentic life!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/

Links mentioned:

Mindful Self-Compassion Break

Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook

Radical Self Compassion

The Feelings Wheel (from Feelings Found)

The Four Agreements

Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Spoiler Alert: Ignoring Your Feelings Isn’t Working (Here's Why)

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 'Nope, That's Not Normal', Jessica and Rae Thomas delve into the complexities of disordered eating, the emotional struggles surrounding food and body image and why feeling the feels is necessary. Rae shares her personal journey with food anxiety, the concept of introspective awareness, the consequences of avoiding emotions, and the significance of therapeutic relationships in the healing process. Remember ya’ll, you have to feel it to heal it—you just do!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Rae Thomas is the Chief Clinical Officer of Feelings Found, a women-owned company creating tangible tools for emotional exploration. Rae also sees clients as a licensed therapist through her private practice. She enjoys long hikes in the mountains and tending to her many house plants.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

The Weekly Ramble: 5 Simple Habits to Create Sweet, Sweet Freedom

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 'Nope That's Not Normal', Jessica shares super simple habits to support healing and self-compassion—that anyone can do. She emphasizes the importance of mindful moments, empowering mantras, and untangling yourself from your food and body beliefs (that were never yours to begin with!). If you’re looking for some simple tools to support your healing journey—or kick it off—this is the episode for you.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Be the Change You Wish to See... Corny, We Know, But, Really

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 'Nope, That's Not Normal,' Jessica and Serena Nangia explore the importance of storytelling and connection in overcoming isolation, the impact of societal pressures, and the need for self-compassion every step of the way!

Serena shares insights from her work with Project HEAL, emphasizing that everyone has a story to tell and that community support is vital for recovery. This much-needed conversation encourages listeners to engage in meaningful discussions about their experiences to change the narrative and be part of the conversation!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Serena Nangia (she/her) is a long-time advocate for eating disorder recovery, host of The Body Activism Podcast, CEO of The Body Activists, and Marketing & Communications Manager for an eating disorder nonprofit called Project HEAL. Serena has spent close to a decade building expertise on body image, eating disorders, and weight stigma. She is storyteller, researcher, and educator inspired by her siblings’ mental health journeys, as well as her own experiences living in a larger body.

Mentioned in the show

https://www.theprojectheal.org/free-eating-disorder-support-groups

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

The Weekly Ramble: Your Body Isn’t The Problem (And Other Truths We All Need to Hear)

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica discusses the complexities of body image and disordered eating, emphasizing that the body itself is not the problem but rather the societal pressures and diet culture that influence our perceptions. She highlights the importance of therapy in the healing process, the necessity of personal responsibility in one's healing journey, and the distinction between body love and body neutrality. Along the way, she shares insights from her own experiences, encouraging listeners to build awareness and develop healthier relationships with their bodies and food for long-term healing and peace.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Mentioned in the episode:

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

The Diet Culture-Fashion Connection (and Finding Your Authentic Vibe)

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Nope, That's Not Normal, Jessica and Jordan discuss the intricate relationship between body image, personal style, and the fashion industry. They explore Jordan's journey from professional ballet to celebrity styling, and how societal pressures around body size and appearance have influenced their perspectives.

The conversation delves into the importance of finding clothes that fit well, the impact of fashion marketing on self-esteem, and the necessity of dressing for oneself rather than for others. Jordan shares practical strategies for discovering personal style, emphasizing the significance of comfort and self-acceptance in the process.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Jordan is the founder of MiKADO and a virtual personal stylist. In this episode, she shares her unique approach to personal styling and image strategy, and discusses how she aligns fashion with personal authenticity and psychology to transform her clients' wardrobes and boost their confidence.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

The Weekly Ramble: 5 Facts That Helped Me Find Body Peace

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 'Nope, That's Not Normal', Jess shares five key insights that have helped her find peace with her body, emphasizing the natural changes women experience, the importance of self-perception, and the need to shift negative beliefs. The bottom line: body peace IS attainable and these ideas/facts can help you get closer to it!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Where Did All the Compassion Go? (We're Bringing It Back!)

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Becca explore their personal experiences with disordered eating, the impact of societal norms, and the importance of self-compassion in recovery. They share insights on recognizing unhealthy patterns, the role of anxiety with disordered eating habits, and practical steps to cultivate a kinder inner dialogue. If you’re ready for a no-fluff conversation about self-compassion (a phrase Becca doesn’t even use), this is the episode for you.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Forward movement requires modern ways of thinking, which is why Becca combined her clinical training in psychotherapy models with holistic tools and spiritual practices to create her Forward Model of Change. With a commitment to show up in her humanness so you can too, Becca offers you permission to shift your patterns and propel yourself forward.

https://www.instagram.com/forwardhealing.co/

https://forwardhealing.co/links/

https://forwardhealing.co

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

The Weekly Ramble (Wardrobe Therapy Edition): Dressing for Main Character Energy

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this Weekly Ramble, Jessica chats about how to feel good in what you wear regardless of body image struggles. She shares her personal journey of overcoming disordered eating and body image issues and how discovering her personal style and building a wardrobe that reflects comfort and confidence, has played a significant part in that journey. Tune in for practical strategies to embrace your unique style, dress for yourself (rather than everyone else), and feel amazing in everything you wear!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Links:

Course mentioned in the episode: https://mikado.mykajabi.com/stylist

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Less BS, More Peace: It’s Unsubscribe Season, Ya’ll

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Jazzmyn explore the complexities of food relationships and mental health—and how the two can get easily get intertwined (and often do!). They get into the importance of setting boundaries (UNSUBSCRIBING!) during the holidays and how to ditch negative influences in social media. They also chat about joyful movement and the power of choice in shaping one's relationship with food and body image.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Meet Jazzmyn Proctor—your go-to therapist, attachment coach, and the powerhouse host of the All Our Partspodcast!

Jazzmyn is all about helping you find your vibe, face life’s curveballs, and come out stronger. From navigating the highs and lows of love and relationships to embracing self-discovery and smashing through obstacles, she’s here to hype you up every step of the way.

She knows that everyone’s journey is unique, and her mission? To help you unlock your full potential and level up your mental health game. 🌱 So, if you're ready to live your best life, hit play on All Our Parts and let Jazzmyn guide you straight to your happy place!

Personal website: https://www.unalomewellnessllc.com/
Threads: @unalomewellnessllc
Instagram: @unalomewellnessllc
TikTok: @unalomewellnessllc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazzmyn-proctor-m-s-lgpc-54121015b/
Spotify Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/7osChWIXkYIFpSteEEpxgC?si=ac09b3e3ee1a4a08
Apple Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-our-parts/id1678336456

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Diet Culture Misinformation is Real (And Dangerous AF)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica chats with Christy Harrison, a bestselling author and podcaster, about the prevalence of misinformation in wellness culture and practical strategies for navigating health advice in today's information-rich world. Christy shares her insights on the stigma surrounding body image and health and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking along with sharing her own journey of experiencing and healing from disordered eating.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CEDS is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and journalist who has been covering food, nutrition, and health for more than 20 years. She is the author of two books, The Wellness Trap and Anti-Diet, and the producer and host of the podcasts Rethinking Wellness and Food Psych, which have helped tens of thousands of people around the world think critically about diet and wellness culture and develop more peaceful relationships with food.

Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, SELF, BuzzFeed, Refinery29, Gourmet, Slate, the Food Network, and many other publications, and she is regularly quoted in national print and broadcast media. Learn more about Christy and her work at christyharrison.com, and subscribe to her bestselling Substack newsletter at rethinkingwellness.substack.com.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

The Weekly Ramble: 3 Big Ideas to Help You See Through Diet Culture BS

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica focuses on three “big ideas” that have shaped her understanding of health and body image, including the importance of viewing the body as an instrument rather than an ornament, the impact of social determinants on health, and the cycle of praise associated with thinness. The goal is to zoom out and start unlearning some of the BS! Healing from disordered eating and body image struggles is just as much about learning as unlearning.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Sources referenced:

More Than A Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament, by Lexie Kite (Author) and Lindsay Kite (Author): https://www.morethanabody.org/more-than-a-body-book/
More than a body Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauty_redefined
Social Determinants of Health: https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual needs and circumstances.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Wellness Culture is Diet Culture in Disguise (And It’s VERY Convincing)

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this convo, Jess and Alex dig into their personal experiences with disordered eating and body image, getting into the disordered complexities of wellness culture and its impact on mental health. They talk about the dangers of orthorexia, the importance of intention, and the need for self-compassion in navigating the massive onslaught of societal pressures. Stay until the end to get Alex's list of red flags for wellness culture BS and practical tips for ya'll to cultivate a more joyful and liberating relationship with food and body image.

**Please bear with us on the sound! We know it's not ideal, but our team didn't realize the sound issue until post-production! We've worked to fix it as best we can.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

About Our Guest

Alex Joy Pucci is an Intuitive Eating and Body image coach empowering women to reclaim their right to a healthy relationship with food, fitness, and their bodies.

https://www.instagram.com/alexjoypucci/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alexjoypucci

https://www.alexjoypucci.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Weekly Ramble: When it Comes to Healing... One Size Does NOT Fit All

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of 'Nope, That's Not Normal', Jess wants to remind us all that there is no one way to approach healing from disordered eating or body image struggles. She explores the complexities of the anti-diet community, the significance of internal desires versus external pressures, and the ongoing nature of healing. True healing is about finding what feels good and authentic to oneself—and Jess shares a few ways to determine that path for yourself.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Nope, That's Not Normal!

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In the first-ever episode of Nope, That's Not Normal, we're chatting about our mission to challenge the normalization of disordered eating behaviors and body image struggles. Your host, Jessica, shares a bit about her personal healing journey (head to episode 2 to get the FULL story), outlines the themes for the season, and introduces the many incredible guests who will share their insights and experiences this season! Tune in and welcome!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

Sneaky Food “Rules" (And Why You Don’t Feel Out of Control Around Broccoli)

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jessica and Abbie talk about why you may not think you have food rules (but you probably do, sorry to say it!) while sharing their personal experiences with food rules and this rigid approach to eating. They get into the importance of self-compassion and the need for 1:1 or community support in healing. Plus, Abbie shares a bunch of practical steps to unlearn those harmful food rules and shift into a more intuitive and compassionate relationship with food.

As an unplanned bonus, the first 10 minutes are spent discussing exercise, intuitive movement, and shifts they both made around their “workouts” in support of healing their relationships with their bodies. Consider this a little mini bonus!

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

Meet Our Guest, Abbie

Abbie Attwood (she/her) is an anti-diet, weight-inclusive nutritionist with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. She runs Abbie Attwood Wellness, offering virtual nutrition therapy and body image coaching through both individual sessions and group programs. Abbie is also the host of the Full Plate Podcast and writes a companion newsletter.

Abbie’s personal journey with an eating disorder emerged at the intersection of competitive running, neurodivergence, and chronic illnesses. These experiences fuel her passion for working with individuals who don’t always fit the traditional image of disordered eating, offering them a space to feel seen and supported.

Her approach is rooted in self-compassion, social justice, and body liberation. Abbie helps clients worldwide heal from disordered eating, chronic dieting, body shame, and compulsive exercise, guiding them toward a more peaceful and respectful relationship with their bodies.

She splits her time between Maine and the Bay Area, where she lives with her husband and their two quirky rescue dogs. Abbie is a lover of breakfast foods, good books, the ocean, and a scoop of ice cream any time of day.

Group Program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching

Full Plate Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-full-plate-podcast-with-abbie-attwood-ms/id1607751212 -

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbieattwoodwellness/

Newsletter: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/newsletter

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe

My Disordered Eating Story is Normal AF (Not in a Good Way)

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Join us as Jessica shares her personal journey with disordered eating—a story that is painfully normal—and shouldn't be! She explores the impact of her childhood experiences on body image, the challenges of navigating health issues, and the societal pressures surrounding thinness. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and recognizing the deeper issues behind eating disorders. She also reflects on her postpartum experiences and the realization that healing is a multifaceted process that allows individuals to embrace their bodies and food without fear or shame.

Connect with Nope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicathiefels/
Connect with your host, Jessica, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nopethatsnotnormal/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nopethatsnotnormal.substack.com/subscribe