Heavy Conversation

This week, we're diving deep into the news that Johnny Big is closing its U.S. website. What does this mean for the big & tall fashion industry? Bruce and Jody discuss this and more!Read Bruce's Article at Chubstr: https://chubstr.com/industry/johnny-bigg-us-shutdown/Johnny Bigg's Going Out of Business Sale: https://johnnybigg.comBeer of the Week:Bruce: Patagonia x Deschutes Kernza Lager: https://bit.ly/kernza-lagerJody: Begyle Blonde Ale: https://bit.ly/begyle-blonde-ale

This week on Heavy Conversation, we’re talking comfort, commutes, and craft beer. Bruce shares his review of the Staples Randolph Big & Tall Office Chair after weeks of testing it out (spoiler: it’s actually built for bigger bodies). Jody talks about how he’s using the Imprint app during his daily commute—an educational platform that makes self-help and nonfiction feel more like a game than a chore. Plus, we’ve got new drinks to share: Bruce is sipping on Lindemans Framboise, and Jody’s cracking open Big Doinks from Fair State Brewing.Read the Randolph Chair Review: chubstr.comGet an Exclusive Discount on the Chair: https://prf.hn/l/aWPQa2M/Imprint App: imprintapp.comLindemans Brewery: lindemans.beFair State Brewing Big Doinks: fairstate.coop

After a six-month break, Heavy Conversation is back—and we’re jumping right into it. This week, we’re talking about weight-based discrimination: what it looks like, where we’ve experienced it, and how we’ve learned to push back. From being overlooked in public to dealing with bias in the workplace, we’re sharing our strategies for speaking up, staying confident, and setting boundaries.We also highlight a few organizations doing important work in this space, including NAAFA.org, ASDAH.org, and WorkplaceFairness.org.Plus, Bruce got an interesting new TV from Telly—a free smart television with a built-in second screen that plays ads while you watch.

We take a look at Chubstr's new list of the best big and tall suit brands. The holidays are coming up—do you need a new suit? Whether you want to rent a tux or pick up a new suit for work, this list has what you're looking for, with sizes up to 72 jackets.Best Big & Tall Suits List: https://chubstr.com/resources/best-big-tall-suit-brands/Drinks: Jody broke out the Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, and Bruce hydrated with his new smart water bottle from LARQ:Skrewball Whiskey: https://www.skrewballwhiskey.com/en/LARQ Smart Water Bottle: https://chubstr.com/go/lars-smart-water-bottle-heavy-convo/

This episode was recorded a few days before Jody's big move to Chicago. We talk about the mix of excitement and never that come with moving to a new city, the unpredictable world of Facebook Marketplace, and the fact that this will be our list in-person recording session for a while. Don't worry, Heavy Conversation will be back next week - we're just recording via Zoom. PLUS: We talk about the new "Best Big & Tall Suit Brands" article at Chubstr.com.

In this episode of Heavy Conversation, Jody shares some big news—he’s leaving Portland and moving to Chicago to start a new chapter of his life. We dive into the challenges of building meaningful friendships, what he’ll miss most about the city, and the excitement (and nerves) that come with a fresh start. Jody talks about his plans to be proactive in meeting people and exploring his new surroundings in Chicago. Plus, we reassure listeners that Heavy Conversation isn’t going anywhere—we’ll keep the conversations going remotely. Beer: We shared Killer Green (Fresh Hop IPA), by Double Mountain Brewery, Hood RiverBeer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Another Amazon Prime Day is here and we're taking a look at the best big & tall deals the company has to offer. Should you shop during Prime Big Deal Days? Listen in and find out. Beer: Jody: Paulaner Munchner LagerBruce: Hopworks Fresh Hop AbominableBeer list: http://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Are you watching The Penguin on Max? Is it still okay to put thin actors in fat suits? PLUS - Bruce went on a group hike with the body-liberating hiking group Unlikely Hikers! Find out how it went!Shop the Gregory x Unlikely Hikers Backpack Collab: https://imp.i185592.net/AWxrvjBeer: Bruce - Cranberry Tank 7, by Boulevard Brewing CoJody - Gaijin Dream, by Stickmen Brewing Co. Untappd Beer List: http://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Fall is finally here and it's time for a wardrobe change. Join us as we share the big & tall clothing on our list. Beer:Jody: Rogue Ginger Yuzu CBD Seltzer WaterBruce: 1983 Lager, McmenaminsHeavy Conversation Beer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

Halloween is upon us and we're telling you about the best big & tall costumes of the year. Find out what's on our list and where to get your favorite!Beer:Jody: Best Day Brewing KolschBruce: Best Day Brewing Hazy IPAhttps://chubstr.com/best-big-tall-halloween-costumes

There aren't enough examples of positive male role models. We made a very incomplete list of men making positive change in the world today. Check out the big (and not-so-big) guys on our list. Beer:Jody - Galaxy Gazer IPA, by Crux Fermentation Project, Bend, OregonBruce - Guinness 0 Non Alcoholic Draught, by GuinnessI read an article discussing how Gus Walz's vulnerability is an example of positive masculinity—something we still don't see that often. Let's talk about:why this is importantexamples of positive masculinity in both plus-size and smaller folksNote: there are many, many positive role models who aren't famous. We know this, but this list is specifically about people we can look up to who have a national/worldwide platform.Examples (new and classic):Mr. RogersBarak ObamaDave GrohlLebron JamesJon StewartI really like this guy https://www.instagram.com/fit2serve1/ interesting storyair manatee - JimboZach Miko Will Lay - https://www.instagram.com/coachbearstrong/Sponsor: Bear Skn

It's the end of summer, and Heavy Conversation is back on a regular weekly schedule! Look for new episodes each Tuesday. This week, we're talking about encountering baby goats, epic beer tastings, and big men's clothing.BeerBruce: Is Fast Fashion Old News? dry Irish stout by Fast Fashion Brewing Company, Seattle, WAJody: Pranqster, by North Coast Brewing Company, Fort Bragg, CASee our beer list: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753https://www.bearskn.com/https://chubstr.com/shop/

There were less plus-size male models at Milan and Paris Fashion Week this year. We discuss the state of big men's fashion and why the outlook isn't so pretty right now. https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/fashion/the-vogue-business-spring-summer-2025-menswear-size-inclusivity-reportBeer:Jody - Hazy IPA, by Best Day BrewingBruce - Summer Shandy, by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

We're talking about finding big & tall bike shorts IN AN ACTUAL STORE, how we're approaching our wardrobe revamps, and Paulaner USA's Big Cans for Big Heroes National Campaign in support of Operation Homefront. Paulaner USA: https://www.paulaner.comOperation Homefront: https://operationhomefront.orgBeers:Bruce & Jody: Paulaner Munchner Lager, from (you guessed it!) Paulaner Brauerei

This week, we’re talking about learning to shuck oysters, the new big & tall work shirt from 100 Brawn, and our favorite new beers from Best Day Brewing. Listen in!Shop 100 Brawn: https://100brawn.com/Beer:Bruce - Kolsch, by Best Day BrewingJody - West Coast IPA, by Best Day Brewinghttps://bestdaybrewing.comHeavy Conversation Beer List: https://untappd.com/user/JodyKoenig/lists/362753

This week on the Heavy Conversation Podcast, Bruce goes full Travolta and shaves his head. Plus: Did you know it's Masturbation May? Neither did we! We share the list of the top 10 most sex-confident states in the U.S. LinksGet Yourself Some Bear Skn Swimwear: https://www.bearskn.com/collections/swimNew arrivals in the Chubstr Shop: https://chubstr.com/shop/Beers:Bruce - Miller High Life, Miller Brewing Company, Milwaukee, WiJody - Beach Trip Pale Ale, Brewery 26, Portland, Or

This week, we talk about getting older and how that translates into how they feel about their bodies. Listen in as we share what we love and don't love about our bodies, and how we deal with feelings of negative self image. PLUS: We talk massages for big bodies AND Bruce was nominated for an award from the FFIAS!Full Figured Industry Awards: https://www.theffias.com/voting2024Bear Skn Swim Deal: https://www.bearskn.com/collections/swim

This week, Bruce tells the story of almost losing his pants on stage that the 2023 FFIAS. Jody talks about the new Bear Skn Swimwear releases, and we discuss how HydrateSpark makes drinking more water fun. New Bear Skn Swimwear: https://www.bearskn.comChubstr $500 Gift Card Giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4q36CDsO3z/HydrateSpark: https://hidratespark.com

We're back! The guys talk about what they've been up to, and share a few new brands you need to know about. Links and info from the episode:Bear Skn: NEW: Beartooth Camo print: https://bearskn.comTowel: Bath towels made for plus size people w/ sizes 3X, 5X, 7X. Get 15% off your 1st purchase with code: CHUBSTR at checkout: https://wearetowel.com/CHUBSTRBRiC: Elevated big & tall essentials w/ sizes to 5XL: shopbric.comRegent Row: Big & tall shirts made w/ NASA-created fabric. Learn More: https://chubstr.com/resources/introducing-regent-row-big-tall/TPK Brewing: The awesome new tabletop gaming craft brewery in Portland, Oregon: https://www.tpkbrewing.com

 We're back after a long break with a few big and tall brands you should shop for Small Business Saturday. We also talk about what we've been up to this fall. NOTE: Heavy Conversation is releasing new episodes every other Tuesday. Our next episode drops Tuesday, December 5th. Bear Skn Black Friday Deals www.bearskn.comGet all the best big & tall black friday deals: https://chubstr.com/big-tall-sales-deals/