In this episode, we sit down with registered dietitian and certified body trust provider Aaron Flores to explore a topic we do not talk about nearly enough: men, body image, and disordered eating. Aaron shares how men are deeply underrepresented in these conversations, often leaving them to suffer in silence or turn to diet culture’s hidden traps like "optimizing" and "biohacking." We explore the lasting impact of early comments from doctors and coaches, the myth of the BMI, and how toxic masculinity makes self-compassion feel like weakness. Together, we unpack the power of body grief, the reality of GLP-1 medications, and how we can support the men in our lives by truly listening. Ultimately, Aaron reminds us that our bodies are not projects to be fixed and that letting go of perfection is a powerful act of self-care.

Key Takeaways

• Men face body image struggles, but underrepresentation makes them feel isolated and misunderstood.
• Diet culture targets men using terms like optimizing, biohacking, macros, and looks maxing.
• Offhand comments about weight from doctors and coaches can cause long-lasting emotional harm.
• Self-compassion is not a sign of weakness; it builds a deeper relationship with yourself.
• Giving up the endless project of perfecting your body creates room for true healing.

Resources

• Aaron Flores’s Website: Aaron Flores RD
• Aaron Flores’s Instagram: @AaronFloresRD
• Substack: The Unscripted Journey by Aaron Flores
• Podcast: Men Unscripted hosted by Aaron Flores
• Conference Mentioned: FNCE (Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo)

Connect with Nina and Jennie

Nina Manolson M.A. Body-Peace® Founder & Coach Stay connected & pick up your FREE Practicing Body-Peace Journal:⁠⁠ https://ninamanolson.com/practicingbodypeace/⁠⁠

Contact: Nina@NinaManolson.com

Contact: jkramer@mbhany.com

Connect:⁠ ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/bodypeacepodcast⁠

Jennie Kramer LCSW-R,CEDS Website: https://mbhany.com/

Subscribe to Jennie’s Newsletter & a complimentary 15min phone consult:⁠⁠ https://mbhany.com/connect-with-jennie/⁠⁠

In this episode, we sit down with somatic nutritional counselor Stephanie Mara Fox to explore how tuning into our physical bodies changes how we relate to food and ourselves. We dive into the science behind somatics, learning how communication flows from the body up to the brain through the vagus nerve. Stephanie breaks down how past trauma and restrictive diets disconnect us from our internal cues, shrinking our window of tolerance. We discuss how binge eating and dieting often act as protective responses rather than personal failures or lack of willpower. Together, we explore practical ways to build nervous system flexibility, move through intense urges, and reconnect with neutral bodily sensations. This conversation offers a gentle path away from shame and into deeper body peace.

Key Takeaways

• Somatic therapy works bottom-up, using body awareness to shift our thoughts and internal responses.
• Eighty percent of communication travels from our body to our brain via the vagus nerve.
• Dieting and restrictive eating patterns often function as coping mechanisms for unresolved trauma and threat.
• Binge eating can be an attempt by the nervous system to mobilize or find comfort.
• Connecting with neutral body parts helps re-establish safety without over-stimulating your nervous system.

Resources

• Stephanie Mara Fox's Website: StephanieMara.com
• Somatic Eating Website: SomaticEating.com
• Stephanie’s Podcast: Satiated
• Instagram: @_stephaniemara
• TikTok: @StephanieMaraFox

Connect with Nina and Jennie

Nina Manolson M.A. Body-Peace® Founder & Coach Stay connected & pick up your FREE Practicing Body-Peace Journal:⁠⁠ https://ninamanolson.com/practicingbodypeace/⁠⁠ Contact: Nina@NinaManolson.com Connect:⁠ ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/bodypeacepodcast⁠

Jennie Kramer LCSW-R,CEDS Subscribe to Jennie’s Newsletter & a complimentary 15min phone consult:⁠⁠ https://mbhany.com/connect-with-jennie/⁠⁠ Contact: jkramer@mbhany.com

We welcome eating disorder pioneer Dr. Carolyn Costin for a deep, compassionate conversation about body peace, healing, and what true recovery looks like. Dr. Costin shares her definition of being fully recovered—accepting your normal body size and no longer compromising your health or soul for a scale number. We explore how treatment has evolved, the complexities surrounding GLP-1 medications, and the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach.

Together, we discuss bridging the gap between trauma and eating disorder care while centering connection and safety. Dr. Costin highlights "soul mentoring"—the process of shifting our focus away from external body expectations to nourish our inner essence, essence-fed joy, and life force. Whether you are seeking your own path to peace or supporting a loved one, this episode offers a hopeful, empowering framework for coming home to yourself.

Key Takeaways

• True recovery means accepting your normal body without self-destructive food or exercise behaviors.
• Healing requires a dedicated multidisciplinary team approach tailored to your specific health needs.
• Your genetic profile creates a baseline vulnerability rather than a predetermined life sentence.
• Creating genuine safety within therapeutic relationships helps heal body-mind disconnects caused by trauma.
• Soul mentoring feeds your inner essence through nature, creativity, and deeper life presence.

Connect with Nina and Jennie

Nina Manolson M.A. Body-Peace® Founder & Coach Stay connected & pick up your FREE Practicing Body-Peace Journal:⁠⁠ https://ninamanolson.com/practicingbodypeace/⁠⁠ Contact: Nina@NinaManolson.com Connect:⁠ ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/bodypeacepodcast⁠

Jennie Kramer LCSW-R, CEDS Subscribe to Jennie’s Newsletter & a complimentary 15min phone consult:⁠⁠ https://mbhany.com/connect-with-jennie/⁠⁠ Contact: jkramer@mbhany.com