Dana is joined by holistic nurse practitioner and author Bea Victoria Albina to explore the concept of emotional outsourcing—the habit of seeking self-worth, safety, and belonging from external validation. Together, they unpack how patterns like people-pleasing, perfectionism, and codependency develop, how this impacts our bodies, and why shifting toward somatic awareness and self-compassion is key for healing. Resources: Bea's new book! End Emotional Outsourcing: How to Overcome your Codependent, Perfectionist, and People-Pleasing Habits https://beatrizalbina.com/ Episode: Codependency and the Nervous System, & how to manage stress when the world is on fire with Victoria Albina Episode: The effect of holiday stress and perfectionism on the nervous system, with Victoria Albina Find your hosts: @beatrizvictoriaalbinanp millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns
Welcome back to the new season of the Millennial Body Image Project! We're diving deep into the concept of 'food noise,' exploring its origins, how it's being marketed, and ways to address it. From diet culture's impact on our hunger cues to the role of medications like Ozempic, we discuss why this term resonates with so many and how to navigate the confusion it brings. If you're feeling overwhelmed by constant thoughts about food, this episode is for you. Tune in as we debunk myths, discuss client experiences, and offer practical strategies for managing food noise - without restriction. Resources mentioned: The natural ozempic? https://www.millennialbodyimageproject.com/podcast/natural-ozempic-does-it-exist Resource: Our Hunger-Fullness scale (w/emotional and physical cues too!) https://www.patreon.com/posts/132197555/ Help! I’m failing at intuitive eating https://www.realfoodwithdana.com/help-im-failing-at-intuitive-eating/ The truth about ozempic no one wants to hear https://www.patreon.com/posts/120494100 Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Welcome to the new season of the Millennial Body Image Project! We’re two licensed dietitian-nutritionists bringing you conversations that cut through the food noise, debunk wellness trends, and remind you that it’s not you—it’s the systems stacked against you. Together, we’ll explore the struggles so many of us carry, challenge the fearmongering that fuels them, and offer evidence-based, compassionate tools to support your body on its own terms. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Feeling like you should be doing more but can’t figure out why you’re not? You’re not lazy - you might be caught in the ADHD shame loop. In this episode, we unpack how perfectionism, executive dysfunction, and unrealistic expectations create a cycle of guilt, burnout, and overcorrection. Whether you’re navigating meal prep, movement, parenting, or just trying to send that one email, we’ll help you understand what’s actually happening underneath the struggle and how to move forward with compassion, not shame. Thanks so much to Hungryroot for sponsoring today’s episode! For a limited time, use this link or the code DANAM40 to get 40% off your first box, and a free item of your choice in every box for life. Resources mentioned: Breaking the cycle of ADHD and disordered eating Is it toxic productivity culture, or executive dysfunction and ADHD? Inside ADHD: the perfectionism and dysregulation connection with Sarah Kesty Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Reminder: this is the final episode of Season 8! Episodes will continue all summer on Patreon until we come back with Season 9 in the fall. Check it out Patreon here - patreon.com/millennialbodyimageproject
In this episode, we dive into the myths about 'healthy' summer eating and why you don't need to fall for the “detox, light, and grilled” trifecta if you don’t want to. You'll get practical tips on how to enjoy the season's bounty, stay hydrated, and tackle the confusing messages around diets and nutrition. Plus, we discuss how to handle food noise, perfectionism, and how NOT to get stressed about food at every summer event. Thanks so much to Hungryroot for sponsoring today’s episode! For a limited time, use this link or the code DANAM40 to get 40% off your first box, and a free item of your choice in every box for life. Resources mentioned: How do you know if you’re eating enough? Your body is not a summer project Bonus episode: Yes, you still need to eat even if… Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Reminder: the last episode of every month is available exclusively in our Patreon community and for Apple Podcasts bonus episode subscribers. Check it out here - patreon.com/millennialbodyimageproject
Welcome to our semi-annual episode where we talk about books, just for fun! All the books we talked about in this episode are listed here. Check out our previous episodes here: (Best of 2024, All Time Favorite Reads, Favorite books of 2023) Full list of recommendations from this episode <> To learn more about banned books in the US: The American Library Association PEN America Join our Patreon community to get access to our end-of-month episodes and “after the episode” deep dives! Plus, you’ll get TWO years of bonus episodes and deep dive content. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Find Kara: Instagram: @kara_mccartney Website: karamccartney.com
Struggling with body image this summer? You’re not alone. In this pep talk-style episode, we’re digging into the summer body pressure that tends to creep in—and what to actually do when you’re having a tough body image day. You’ll get practical body neutrality tips, real talk about the summer bodies scam, and simple ways to stop the shame spiral before it starts. If you’re looking for support in coping with body image so you can enjoy your summer without guilt, this episode is for you. Additional body image support resources: How to reroute negative body image thoughts: summer edition Summer body image support quiz How to make peace with weight gain Navigating body image struggles in the Ozempic era Workshop: how to navigate a Body Image Spiral with the EAP! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/ Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
On today's episode, we dive into the concept of the 'summer body’ and its roots in cultural and historical marketing strategies. (It’s a scam, we tell you!) We unpack the origins of the term “summer body” and provide tangible ways for you to opt out and embrace body neutrality. From the rise of beach culture post-World War II, to the modern-day pressures perpetuated by GLP-1’s and social media, we explore the evolution of body standards.Most importantly, we're giving you practical tips to opt out and feel good in your own skin all summer long. Additional body image support resources: Summer body image support quiz How to make peace with weight gain Navigating body image struggles in the Ozempic era Workshop: how to navigate a Body Image Spiral with the EAP! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/ Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
On today’s episode, we chat with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. Sarah dives into her journey and how ADHD, burnout, and invisible illnesses have shaped her work with clients. We discuss the connection between perfectionism and executive function, and how dysregulation makes ADHD and eating behaviors a lot more difficult to manage. Sarah also shares brain-friendly strategies for task paralysis and self-compassion for ADHD’ers. From Sarah: "I'm thrilled to share that "Growing Executive Function" is available for pre-orders (through my publisher or Amazon) and will be out in the world on August 29th, 2025!" Resources mentioned: The Executive Function Podcast with Sarah Kesty Episode: Strategies for eating enough, on time, and “healthy-ish” with Dana Monsees Brain Tools School Mighty Community: NURA for CFS/long covid Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. https://www.patreon.com/c/millennialbodyimageproject/ Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition More about our guest: Sarah Kesty helps amazing neurodivergent people create strategies to thrive! She is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. A 4-time teacher of the year, Sarah’s Brain Tools School coaching and learning programs support high schoolers, college students, adults, and coaches in developing executive function skills to smooth out life. Sarah specializes in translating research into real-life, actionable strategies. She regularly writes and presents for international groups and publications, including Psychology Today, KQED, and Edutopia. Her mission is to make the world brain-friendly, inclusive, and a little more fun. An avid gardener and local Trail Guide, she and her family live in San Diego, surrounded by birds and nature. Her book for teachers, Growing Executive Function, will be released August 2025 (Solution Tree).
A lot of people are feeling burned out and dysregulated right now - but let’s talk about what it’s doing to your body image! If you’re in the camp of “everything hurts and I’m dying”, this episode is for you. On today's episode, we delve into the rampant issue of nervous system dysregulation and how it exacerbates body image issues and body checking tendencies. Plus, what can you do about it? How can you recognize signs of dysregulation, what can you do about body checking during this time, and how can we feel a little better? Tune in to find out! Resources mentioned: Episode: Help! I’m failing at intuitive eating Book: Rest is Resistance, by Tricia Hersey Book: Burnout, by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Book: Laziness Does Not Exist, by Dr. Devon Price Episode: Cycle syncing and navigating your menstrual cycle Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Let’s talk about influencer shenanigans, and how they influence your body image, self-esteem, and wallet. From the subtle ways influencers shape our perceptions to the more overt manipulations of influencer marketing, we lift the veil on how much power we unwittingly give them. Because, come on - renting a house to film your content in, and then pretending it’s where you live? Returning all their hauls, but still making commissions on your LTK? Let’s talk about it. Grab your free influencer audit guide here! -https://www.patreon.com/posts/influencer-audit-127441316 Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Episodes mentioned: Episode: How much protein do you actually need? Episode: Decoding perimenopause and body image Episode: Is it perimenopause, stress, or your thyroid?
Everyone is freaking out about protein - so let’s dive into the hype to talk fact vs. fiction and fearmongering. Check out part 2 HERE: How much protein do you actually need? If you’re a millennial woman, you’re probably hearing all about protein right now - whether you’re perimenopausal (or wondering!), have hormonal imbalances, or are just trying to figure out how to eat to support your body. Join us for protein, protein, protein (part 1!) as we navigate through the conflicting information and provide guidance on finding a balance without falling for marketing gimmicks. This is part 1 of a 2-part series discussing protein! In this part one, there is no discussion at all of numbers, so if that’s triggering for you - not to worry. What craziness have you been seeing around protein lately? What questions do you have about protein? Let us know! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Many of us constantly outsource information about our own bodies because we’ve been taught not to trust them our whole lives. Whether you know it or not, this may lead you to look for permission to restrict your food in many sneaky places. From 'What I Eat in a Day' posts to therapeutically designed protocols for specific health conditions, this episode explores the thin line between health-promoting behaviors and restrictive diets. We’ll also touch on the mental and physical implications of these kinds of restrictions. Reflection questions for this week's episode linked here! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Recent patreon-exclusive episodes: How much protein do you actually need? 5-minute Friday: Wellness without rigidity Breaking the cycle of ADHD and disordered eating Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
We’re back to dive into the complexities of perimenopause and how to wade through the confusing flood of information online. If you've been overwhelmed by social media advice on how to navigate perimenopause, this one's for you. Check out our guide: Non-Diet Nutrition for Perimenopause We'll break down practical, realistic steps to support your body without going into old perfectionist, restrictive, or diet culture ways. You’ll learn how to decode your symptoms and incorporate tools like balanced nutrition (without restriction) and sustainable movement, we're here to offer guidance without the stress or judgment. We’re also tackling low energy availability, RED-S, hormonal changes to look for, and body image in perimenopause. Want continued access to weekly episodes? Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Resources mentioned: Episode: Is weight a symptom? Episode: Nutrition for blood sugar - without restriction! RED-S and Low Energy Availability Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
In this episode, we dive into the world of perimenopause, breaking down its symptoms and how they often overlap and mimic issues like thyroid and stress-related problems. We provide practical advice on tracking your health data, interpreting your body's signals, and effectively communicating with healthcare providers. We’re also talking through targeted social media supplement ads (yes, we get them too!) and how to avoid the trap of overwhelming health protocols promising to fix your perimenopause woes. Whether you're wondering if you're going through perimenopause or just dealing with some confusing symptoms, we’ve packed this episode with practical advice and insights for you! This is only the start of a handful of episodes on perimenopause that we’ll be mixing in with our other content, so let us know your questions! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
In this episode, we welcome executive function coach Mallory Band to discuss the interplay between ADHD and disordered eating behaviors, exploring her personal experiences and professional insights. Mallory shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming an executive function coach, and highlights the importance of self-awareness and developing coping mechanisms. Listen to learn how ADHD can influence eating patterns, strategies for task initiation, and the significance of modeling positive behavior for children, especially for parents with ADHD. Find our guest: https://bandtogethereducation.com/ Instagram: @malloryb_adhd Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Have you ever felt dismissed by your doctor because of your weight? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mara Gordon, a weight-inclusive physician based in Philadelphia, to explore the challenges of practicing weight-neutral medicine in a system rooted in weight-centric care. Dr. Gordon shares her journey from traditional medical training to adopting a compassionate, inclusive approach, highlighting the pervasive impact of fatphobia in healthcare and the systemic hurdles doctors face, including the complexities of insurance billing. Along the way, she offers practical strategies to empower patients to advocate for themselves and foster open, informed conversations with their providers. Grab the Medical Weight Decline Card here! Find our guest: Substack - Chief complaint : maragordonmd.substack.com Instagram: @maragordonmd Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition Want continued access to weekly episodes? Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey.
On today’s episode we dive into the complex relationship between body image, health, and societal perceptions. We explore how the idea of 'healthy looks' can be misleading and often dismissive of a person’s true mental and physical state, and society’s obsession with tying thinness to health and productivity. What can we do about it? Tune in to learn and discuss! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. ICYMI: our podcast is bi-weekly now on the main feed! Want continued access to weekly episodes? Join us over on Patreon, or on Apple Podcast Subscriptions so you don't miss a thing. Resources mentioned: Episode: Do you need a cortisol detox? How food and body image impact relationship health with Elizabeth Earnshaw Overcoming New Year Body Image “Sunday Scaries”
Welcome to our best books of 2024 episode! As always, this is just for fun, talking about our favorite books of this past year, surprises and disappointments, plus talking about if some of the major hyped books are worth it are not. Let us know - what were some of your favorite books you read in 2024? Full list of books linked here! Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition @kara_mccartney
If you struggle with having food and body image conversations with your partner, this episode is for you. Couples counselor Elizabeth Earnshaw (Liz Listens) joins your hosts today to help unpack food and body image stress and how it can negatively impact relationships. Elizabeth shares insights on mental load, trauma, and flooding, and how these factors can hijack relationships. We also explore how body image issues and differing health philosophies can affect partnerships, highlighting the need for creating boundaries and how to use the tool of coregulation to maintain a healthy relationship. Resources mentioned: Liz' New Book: Til Stress Do Us Part Don’t miss next week’s episode: Do You Need a Cortisol Detox? ICYMI: we're going bi-weekly! For weeks where there's no episode on the main feed - Join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and resources, access to the final episode of every month, and over 2 years of extra content to support you on your body image and nutrition journey. Find your hosts: millennialbodyimageproject.com @millennialbodyimageproject @danamonsees_cns @cristinahoytnutrition
Krista Mundt Goodrich
One more comment....there are so many "paleo" podcasters out there who are truly doing a disservice to young, vulnerable female minds around food and workouts:( You however are not one of them!! Keep up the great work Dana!!
Krista Mundt Goodrich
Best podcast episode ever!!! Keep on ranting girl;)