Ariana Grande, Body Image, and the Eating Disorder Conversation We're Not Having

Ariana Grande, Body Image, and the Eating Disorder Conversation We're Not Having

The problem isn't Ariana Grande. In this episode, unpack the online conversation surrounding Ariana Grande to explore the bigger issues of body image, eating disorders, celebrity culture, and systemic oppression. We discuss why public commentary about women's bodies is so normalized, how social media fuels unrealistic beauty standards, and why eating disorders cannot be identified by appearance alone. From the harmful myth of being "not sick enough" to the historical roots of fatphobia and weight stigma, this conversation challenges the narratives that shape how we think about health, recovery, and whose bodies are considered worthy of care. Content Note: This episode explores eating disorders, body image, weight stigma, BMI, and includes brief discussion of eating disorder behaviors in the context of education and recovery. We know these conversations can bring up a lot—take what serves you, skip what doesn't, and come back when you're ready. Takeaways * Eating disorders affect people of every body size and cannot be diagnosed by appearance. * Social media and celebrity culture reinforce unrealistic body standards and harmful comparisons. * Weight stigma and fatphobia have systemic roots that continue to influence healthcare and treatment. * Waiting until someone "looks sick enough" can delay life-saving care. * Recovery begins when we challenge harmful cultural narratives—not just individual behaviors. Resources & Mentions * How Malnourishment Impacts Brain Functioning [https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/malnourishment-impacts-brain-functioning] * Ashantis Jones Reel [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaA_AO2RZFV/] * What If We're Not Actually Worried About Ariana Grande by Liz Plank [https://lizplank.substack.com/p/what-if-were-not-actually-worried] Rate & Review: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review! It really helps us reach more folks! Connect With Us: * JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/ [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/] * IG: @stop.collaborateandlistenpod [https://www.instagram.com/stop.collaborateandlistenpod/]

Ep 43: Pilates, Fitness Culture & Finding Joy in Movement w/ Vanessa Hutchens of MVMT House

Episode Summary: Is pilates really just for thin women in matching sets? Vanessa Hutchins, founder of MVMT House, joins us today to explore what it means to build a joyful, inclusive relationship with movement. We discuss the evolution of Pilates, common misconceptions, and why movement should be accessible to all bodies, ages, and experience levels. Vanessa shares how MVMT House prioritizes community, connection, and fun, while creating a space where people can move in ways that feel supportive and sustainable. Whether you're Pilates-curious or looking to reconnect with movement, this conversation offers a refreshing alternative to traditional fitness culture. Take advantage of MVMT House intro offer: 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $45. Connect with Vanessa and MVMT House:  * https://www.mvmthouseindy.com/ [https://www.mvmthouseindy.com/]  * IG:@mvmthouse [https://www.instagram.com/mvmthouse/]  Grab your Summer Movement Series Bingo Card: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/p/summer-movement-series-2026-kickoff [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/p/summer-movement-series-2026-kickoff] Takeaways: * Movement is more sustainable when it feels enjoyable, supportive, and accessible * Pilates is for all bodies, not just experienced athletes or fitness enthusiasts * Community and connection can be powerful motivators for movement * Variety and flexibility help create a long-term relationship with exercise * Movement doesn't need to focus on changing your body to improve your well-being Resources & Mentions: * Daisy Bar: https://www.daisybarindy.com/ [https://www.daisybarindy.com/]  * Amelia’s: https://ameliasbread.com/ [https://ameliasbread.com/]  * North Mass Boulder: https://www.northmassboulder.com/ [https://www.northmassboulder.com/]  Rate & Review: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks! Connect With Us: JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/ [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/] IG: @stop.collaborateandlistenpod [https://www.instagram.com/stop.collaborateandlistenpod/]

Ep 42: Adult Friendship, Community, and the Courage to Show Up w/FrancesMary Loughead of BFF Indy

✨ Episode Summary: Friendship doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we choose to show up. Our Summer Movement Series continues with FrancesMary Loughead, founder of BFF Indy, a community helping women build authentic friendships that feel more connected to where they live. This conversation expands the idea of movement beyond exercise and into community, connection, and belonging.  We talk about why making friends as an adult can feel so challenging, how social anxiety and vulnerability can get in the way, and why belonging is essential for mental and physical health.  Join your first BFF Indy event by attending a weekly walk [https://www.bffindianapolis.com/events]! Happening every Monday, April - October, in 9 cities across central Indianapolis! Connect with BFF Indy:  * BFF Indy Website [https://www.bffindianapolis.com/⁠] * BFF Indy Community Chats [https://www.bffindianapolis.com/community-chats⁠] * BFF Indy Events & Weekly Walks [https://www.bffindianapolis.com/events⁠] * @bff.indy [https://www.instagram.com/bff.indy⁠] 🧰 Takeaways: * Adult friendship takes intention, vulnerability, and showing up * Movement and shared experiences can create meaningful connection * Community and belonging are essential parts of well-being * Low-pressure spaces can make building friendships feel more accessible * It’s never too late to find your people 📚 Resources & Mentions: Grab your Summer Movement Series Bingo Card: BINGO CARD [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/p/summer-movement-series-2026-kickoff⁠] 🎧 Rate & Review: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks! 🔗 Connect With Us: * JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/ [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/] * IG: @stop.collaborateandlistenpod [https://www.instagram.com/stop.collaborateandlistenpod/]

Ep 41: Eating Disorder-Informed Fitness: Reclaiming Movement Through Joy and Autonomy w/Abbey Griffith of Clarity Fitness

✨ Episode Summary: What if movement was about joy—not punishment? We are joined by Abbey Griffith, owner and founder of Clarity Fitness, to explore what eating disorder-informed fitness can look like in practice. We discuss how movement can support recovery, mental health, and body autonomy when it's rooted in joy rather than punishment. Abbey shares the philosophy behind Clarity Fitness, including how thoughtful studio design, inclusive coaching, and collaboration with healthcare providers help create a safer and more supportive fitness experience. This conversation challenges common fitness narratives and offers a vision of movement that is sustainable, accessible, and grounded in long-term well-being. Take advantage of Clarity Fitness’s On-demand Joyful Movement Studio: Use COLLAB15 for 15% off lifetime access to Clarity Online  Connect with Abbey & Clarity Fitness:  * https://www.clarityfitness.com/ [https://www.clarityfitness.com/] * IG:@claritydecatur [https://www.instagram.com/claritydecatur/]  Grab your Summer Movement Series Bingo Card: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/p/summer-movement-series-2026-kickoff [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/p/summer-movement-series-2026-kickoff] 🧰 Takeaways: * Movement can support recovery when it is rooted in joy, choice, and autonomy * Eating disorder-informed fitness prioritizes safety, flexibility, and sustainability * Fitness spaces can play an important role in supporting mental health and recovery * Collaboration between fitness professionals and healthcare providers improves care * A healthy relationship with movement is built over time, not through punishment or perfection 🎧 Rate & Review: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks! 🔗 Connect With Us: * JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/ [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/] * IG: @stop.collaborateandlistenpod [https://www.instagram.com/stop.collaborateandlistenpod/]

Ep 40: Dance Classes, Confidence, and Taking Up Space as Adults w/Gabby McLemore of DanceWorks Indy

✨ Episode Summary: Who decided adults had to stop dancing? Kicking off our Summer Movement Series, we are joined by Gabby McLemore, owner of DanceWorks Indy, to explore the power of dance in adulthood. We talk about how movement can support confidence, emotional expression, self-trust, and connection! Gabby shares how inclusive dance spaces can challenge perfectionism, reduce barriers to participation, and help people reconnect with joy and their bodies. Whether you haven’t danced in years or never considered yourself a dancer, this episode is an invitation to take up space and move in ways that feel good. Take advantage of DanceWorks Indy’s intro offer: 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $29. Connect with Gabby & DanceWorks Indy:  * danceworksindy.com [http://danceworksindy.com]  * IG: @danceworksindy [https://www.instagram.com/danceworksindy/] Grab your Summer Movement Series Bingo Card [https://open.substack.com/pub/stopcollaboratelistenpod/p/summer-movement-series-2026-kickoff?r=9st50&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true] 🧰 Takeaways: * Dance can support confidence, emotional expression, and connection * Movement doesn’t need to look a certain way to be meaningful * Inclusive spaces help reduce barriers and make dance more accessible * Joy, play, and self-expression are valuable parts of well-being * Adults are allowed to move, explore, and take up space 📚 Resources & Mentions: Circle City Cypher w/King Koi Roi: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp0FMinsCKTtOrw08iu3NBA⁠] * IG: @king.koi.roi [https://www.instagram.com/king.koi.roi/⁠] 🎧 Rate & Review: If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks! 🔗 Connect With Us: Join Our Substack Newsletter: https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/ [https://stopcollaboratelistenpod.substack.com/] IG: @stop.collaborateandlistenpod [https://www.instagram.com/stop.collaborateandlistenpod/]