Shows
Every Body’s StoryJamie Spore: Living with a Disability, Body Image Challenges, & Advocating for InclusivenessFor the final episode of season one, Jamie joins the podcast to talk about her experiences living life with a disability. Jamie has Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida, and has been paraplegic since birth. As a kid, she felt deeply self conscious, bitter, and angry that she was different than her peers. She talks about body image and her daily struggles to find confidence. Jamie also tells us how people constantly stare and point, avoid eye contact, and generally assume that she isn’t capable. Despite having some physical limitations, Jamie is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie and talks excitedly about sk...
2020-12-211h 05Every Body’s StoryEmma Poole: Being Present, Body Pressures in Dance, & Getting BalancedEmma tells us about her childhood and the particular moment when she started feeling expectations around her body. These pressures to look a certain way, “like a dancer”, stuck with her through university as she went on to study dance. Emma talks about having a negative relationship with food, the struggles of looking in a mirror all day, and becoming slightly obsessed with what her body looked like. She describes the intense stress and anxiety that came with wanting to change her body. Emma later found a passion for aerial dance and delved into the art form. However, at one...
2020-12-1844 minEvery Body’s StoryAubrey Wall: Body Confidence Coaching, Eating Disorder Recovery, & Gaining AcceptanceAubrey joins the podcast to talk about her experiences dealing with an eating disorder (*trigger warning*), being an athlete, and her work as a body confidence coach. She tells us how her body image changed upon moving away from home and becoming a more competitive athlete. Aubrey started restricting her eating and was later diagnosed with anorexia. She went into intensive treatment and started to recover, though many disordered eating thoughts lingered. We talk about body comments, eating disorder stigma, and diet culture.
After treatment, Aubrey noticed that there wasn’t much support out there to help someone mentally recover fr...
2020-12-1148 minEvery Body’s StoryOran Leong: Masculinity, Forming a Dance Identity, & Looking InwardsOran talks about his teen years, growing up as many (or all?) of us do, not really loving the way he looked and not feeling like he fit in. Upon starting Irish dancing, gender norms were prevalent and he felt pressure to “be masculine” in his dancing. He talks about his experience in competitive dance - the pressure, criticism, and often unhealthy relationships with food that surrounded him. Oran tells us about getting into contemporary dance, and how it’s allowed him to be vulnerable and focus on the way his body feels. He also describes his experience with aerial dance...
2020-12-0457 minEvery Body’s StoryMargo Mitchell: Finding a Fitness Community, Battling Brain Cancer, & Feeling your FeelingsMargo talks about feeling like the biggest, tallest girl growing up, and how it affected her self-image. She restricted her eating from a young age and struggled to stop comparing herself to other girls. We talk about femininity, sports, and the expectations of other people. Margo opens up about dating, and how her body image sometimes held her back. We chat about seeking validation, feeling attractive, and settling. Margo tells us about a stranger’s comment in college and how it started her down a difficult path. However, after transferring schools, Margo found an amazing fitness community where she re...
2020-11-1354 minEvery Body’s StoryAnnabelle Bugay: Quitting Competition, Dancing and Living with Balance, & Making Your Own PathAnnabelle talks about her experiences in the competitive Irish dance world. As a teen, she already had body image issues that were made worse in dance class, and she began focusing heavily on her appearance. We chat about wearing booty shorts, associating weight with skill, and disordered eating. Annabelle shares how she struggled with perfectionism, and how she felt that becoming the hardest working dancer would give her more respect. We discuss the toxic environment that can come with Irish dance (or any sport), and how Annabelle is breaking that cycle by creating a more positive teaching environment. Next...
2020-11-0646 minEvery Body’s StoryAleshia Ali: Joyful Movement, Ignoring the Scale, & Realizing Your PowerAleshia, a Body Positive Personal Trainer and Movement Coach, tells us her story. She describes growing up as ‘the chubby kid’, and how she started dieting at a young age. Aleshia takes us through the ups and downs of her relationship with fitness, from her academic studies, to using fitness for her own wellbeing, to working in a toxic gym environment. Aleshia discusses the pressure she felt to become the smallest version of herself. She talks about feeling like a “before” picture, overtraining, and changing the media she consumes. Then, we delve into Aleshia’s current work as a coach. She helps...
2020-10-2356 minEvery Body’s StorySam Winter: Being Active, The Universality of Food Struggles, & Co-Existing with your BodySam shares her experiences growing up as an active child and competitive diver. We talk about comparison, feeling that your body is wrong, and the subtle messages that are present in the diving world. As Sam got older and became more aware of her own body, she started forming an unhealthy relationship with food. This relationship became more complicated in college, as Sam studied opera performance and dealt with new body pressures. We discuss being judged, wanting to be the “cool girl”, and gaining weight.
Sam then talks about her PhD and her work related to eating and bodies. She expl...
2020-10-0957 minEvery Body’s StoryDanielle Stillman: Learning Your Worth, Eating Disorder Recovery, & Balance in Irish DanceDanielle talks about her experiences growing up, and how she received the message that thinness is valued and should be the goal. Upon entering the Irish dance world, Danielle became focused on being strong and healthy, which turned into an unhealthy mindset. We talk about the pervasive ideas in many competitive Irish dance environments, like rampant self-criticism, comparison, and an all-or-nothing mentality. Danielle explains how peoples' attitudes around her changed when she gained weight during college, and we discuss dating, fatphobia, working out, and catcalling. Danielle speaks openly about her struggles with food, self-worth, and body image, and how she...
2020-10-0249 minEvery Body’s StoryKatie Hoad: Exercise Science, Pressure to Change your Body, & Helping Others through MovementKatie joins the podcast to talk about her journey as an aspiring exercise scientist. She describes her childhood and the important role that athletics played in her life. In college, Katie started feeling negatively about her body, and she opens up about her ongoing journey with body acceptance. We discuss how studying and eventually working in the exercise science field could lead to feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. Still, Katie explains what inspired her to enter the field and how passionate she is about helping others. We chat about quality of life, being a picky eater, the benefits of...
2020-09-2552 minEvery Body’s StoryHayden Moon: Living in a Transgender Body, Irish Dance, & Being VisibleHayden talks about his childhood, where from a young age he knew his gender despite those around him insisting otherwise. He describes feeling uncomfortable in his body and wanting to change it, a feeling which intensified upon entering a dance environment. Hayden speaks openly about how this feeling led to negative body thoughts and a battle with anorexia (*trigger warning*). We then delve into Hayden's experiences as an Irish dancer. From facing transphobia and bigotry, to feeling complete euphoria and finding a supportive dance community, Hayden shares it all! He chats about costumes, gendered steps, dance teachers, and more...
2020-09-181h 01Every Body’s StoryKatie Bean: Running, Body Acceptance, & Gaining GratitudeKatie talks about her struggles with body image as a teen, and how this led to disordered eating habits. After numerous weight fluctuations, Katie started to find a weight that feels right for her and more freedom around food. She discusses the impact that a serious injury had on her life and sense of identity. We dive into self-worth, anxiety, comments about weight, and how social media can help us appreciate and take care of our bodies. Katie shares her history and accomplishments as a runner, and the many benefits running has given her - more belief in herself, m...
2020-09-1152 minEvery Body’s StoryMélissandre Tremblay-Bourassa: Body Awareness, Maternity, & The Joys of DanceMélissandre starts by sharing her experiences and struggles in the ballet world - feeling inadequate, always finding things wrong with her body, disordered eating, and teachers equating her weight to her value. Mélissandre eventually moved away from this environment and discovered new dance styles that allowed her to focus on sound and feeling rather than aesthetics. She then talks about her two pregnancies, both of which were quite body positive experiences. She discusses dancing while pregnant, body awareness, and striving for a balance between career and family life. Finally, Mélissandre explains the beautiful, but complicated relationship bet...
2020-09-0449 minEvery Body’s StoryElle Santos: Self-Worth, Social Media, The Effects of Quarantine, & Finding BalanceElle talks openly about her lifelong struggles with negative body image and self-esteem. She explains that at one point, she was obsessively counting calories, comparing her appearance to everyone, and generally feeling unworthy. Elle tells us how social media became an important outlet to process her thoughts, and how she intentionally curates her social media feed (and real life relationships). We chat about diet culture and its pervasive messages, finding a support system, projecting our pain on others, and equipping ourselves with tools to handle negative body self-talk. Lastly, Elle reflects on her time spent in quarantine, and how...
2020-08-281h 07Every Body’s StoryMadalyn Staudt: Dance, Rock Climbing, Constant Comparison, & Learning Our Body’s LimitsMadalyn speaks about growing up as a dancer, feeling that she looked different from everyone else. She describes her struggles with comparison, especially when being compared to her sister. Madalyn talks about PCOS, weight fluctuations, chronic pain, and injuries. We discuss the “shoulds” in our life, particularly the ones about how much and which foods we eat. Finally, Madalyn tells us about her newest activity, rock climbing, and the joy she’s found in the community and the sport itself.
Find Madalyn on Instagram @maddiestaudt and Tumblr at rina-san28. Plus, go listen to her podcast, Damhsa Saor. You can...
2020-08-2155 minEvery Body’s StoryMay Vutrapongvatana: Fatphobia, Striving for Body Justice, & The Power of BoxingMay joins the podcast to discuss her own experiences and the larger systems in society that perpetuate fatphobia. She talks about the bullying she faced during childhood, being told that her body was wrong, and learning to defend herself. We both examine the ways we're trying to unlearn fatphobic messages, and just how pervasive these ideas are. May explains how fashion is used as a weapon against fat people, and how it's being reclaimed. We delve into privilege, barriers, neutralizing the word fat, and treating each other as humans. Finally, May gushes about her newfound love for boxing and...
2020-08-141h 04Every Body’s StoryHannah Bogard Parke: Gender Identity, Learning What Our Bodies Need, & Changing the Culture at CampHannah starts by sharing her childhood experiences with her body - from growing up in an outdoorsy, freeform environment, to eventually joining public school and facing new pressures related to appearance. She discusses gender fluidity, identity, and trying to fit the ideal body type. Hannah explains how camp impacted her as a kid and led her to find a career as a camp director. Finally, we delve into the many ways that Hannah is working to create an intentional culture around food and bodies at her camp. She talks about the methods they've implemented - treating food as fuel...
2020-08-0756 minEvery Body’s StoryElizabeth MacDonald: Dance for Health, Listening to Your Body, & Movement at Any AgeElizabeth shares her lifelong experiences as a dancer, teacher, writer, and researcher. She knows a thing or two about adapting to an aging body - she's been dancing for an impressive 60 years! Elizabeth tells us about teaching, and the body image issues that affect her dance students as well as herself. She talks openly about living with multiple sclerosis, albeit a mild form, and its challenges. We discuss society's focus on youth, listening to your body, and the many health & healing benefits of dance. Elizabeth is passionate that dance can be experienced at any age, and she is determined...
2020-07-3153 minEvery Body’s StoryEmily's Edition: Social Media & Our Bodies #MakeSocialMediaGreatAgainI'm going solo this week with the first (official) Emily's Edition! I talk about comparing ourselves, in real life and especially on social media. We discuss angles, airbrushing, and how Covid-19 could have led to even more scrolling. I delve into research relating to social media and body image. We cover #fitspo and how it may make us feel inadequate, how difficult it is to be vulnerable, and practical tips to cultivate a more diverse, healthy-for-you social media feed.
Remember to rate, review, follow, and find us on Instagram @everybodyspodcast. And get in touch if you want t...
2020-07-2443 minEvery Body’s StoryJen Slaght: Exercise, ADHD, Playing Music, & The Physicality of TeachingJen, a musician and music teacher, joins the podcast to share her experiences with her body. She talks about injuries, both from sports and from playing music, and tells us how she discovered a love of fencing as an adult. Jen explains how teaching can be a very physical act, and how movement can help children (and adults) learn and focus better. Finally, she talks about growing up with ADHD, how she managed it, and how we might break the stigma around mental disorders. Jen's passion for teaching and music is undeniable, and you'll definitely learn something from her...
2020-07-1751 minEvery Body’s StoryMarie Wilson: Exercise, Holistic Health, & Living SustainablyMarie, a sustainability blogger and former holistic health coach, shares her story. She talks about her relationship with fitness and food, and how she dealt with a serious health condition during college. She tells us about her work as a health coach, and the many important lessons that she taught her clients. We talk about veganism, orthorexia, sustainability, privilege, and more!
Follow Marie on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @mindfulpeaks, and check out her website, www.mindfulpeaks.com. Find the podcast on Instagram @everybodyspodcast, and don't forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share!
2020-07-1057 minEvery Body’s StoryBethany: Fitness, Social Media, & Finding Body FreedomBethany talks openly about her body's story, sharing her many thoughts about food, fitness, social media, and eating disorder recovery. We discuss relationships, racism, the pressure to always be productive and busy, and how we might slow down and rest. Bethany explains how she strives to be truly liberated, and how it's benefitted her in all aspects of life.
You can follow Bethany on Instagram & Twitter @_melanintalks, and find her podcast, "Going Through Changes", on SoundCloud. Follow the podcast on Instagram @everybodyspodcast, and get in touch to share your own body's story!
2020-07-031h 04Every Body’s StorySammie Hershock: Food, Body Image, & MotherhoodSammie joins us to share her experiences with her body and motherhood. She explains how pregnancy affected her body image, how our clothing choices can help us feel more authentically ourselves, how we might listen to our bodies, and how a boudoir photo shoot altered her perception of herself. Sammie also talks about the happiness that can come from connecting to our food, and how she's passing lessons about food and bodies on to her children.
Find Sammie on Instagram at @sammielamb93 and follow the podcast on Instagram at @everybodyspodcast.
2020-06-2643 minEvery Body’s StoryRachel Sheil: Dance, Mental Health, & Defending JoyDancer, teacher and choreographer Rachel shares her body's story. She delves into her experience in the dance world, coping with body image issues and anxiety, others commenting on her body, and the many pressures we face as humans. Rachel talks about getting rid of the "shoulds" in life, being kinder to ourselves, and how she chooses to create a more joyful existence.
Follow Rachel on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook at @rikilikemagic and find Every Body's Story on Instagram at @everybodyspodcast.
2020-06-1956 minEvery Body’s StoryPodcast Teaser + My Body's StoryIn this introduction to Every Body's Story, learn what to expect in upcoming episodes - everything from the topics and guests to the overall vision for the podcast. Plus, Emily Mickus, the host of Every Body's Story, shares the unfiltered story about her own journey. Through her struggles with body image, the dance world, and her mindset around food, listen to what inspired her to start this podcast.
Follow Every Body's Story on Instagram @everybodyspodcast, and make sure to follow, rate, review, and share!
2020-06-1234 min