Back in episode 01 we took a look at diet culture, but to be honest, my experience of diet culture, the diet industry, and understanding of how the two work together has evolved in the last year.

I’ve learned a lot more. I've experienced a lot more. And I feel a helluva lot more confident in talking about it with you today.

So in this episode, I'm going to be answering the questions:

What is diet culture?

How is it different from the diet industry?

Do they impact us in different ways?

And I encourage you to stick around till the end of the episode because I will be posing a question that completely knocked me off my diet culture axis the first time I heard it. It could also be used as a journal or writing prompt.

The Culture Of It All! Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Takeaways:

Diet culture is a system of beliefs that centese thinness.

The diet industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that preys on insecurities.

Diet culture impacts our mental health and self-worth.

Weight loss drugs may not lead to long-term health benefits.

Informed choices are crucial when considering health options.

Diet culture distracts us from pursuing our true passions.

The societal ideal of thinness is rooted in various forms of oppression.

Reflecting on health goals without weight loss is liberating.

Links Mentioned:

Fategories by Fluffy Kitten Party

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Diet Culture

01:54 Understanding Diet Culture

04:26 The Impact of Diet Culture

05:18 The Diet Industry Explained

06:46 Do They Impact Us In Different Ways?

07:27 The Cycle of Diet Culture

08:42 Personal Reflections on Dieting

10:04 Encouragement for Informed Choices

🗓️ Next Week:

6 Tips for Unlearning Internalised Fat Phobia

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Welcome to season 4 of The Culture Of It All!

I know, I left you hanging… for a flipping month no less 🫣 but I’m back, somewhat refreshed and more fired up than I have been in months. Two months of being fat and loud about it on TikTok, well, let’s just say: there are good, bad and unhinged stories to share.

A quick note before I get into the episode…

You might notice a few little changes. I spruced up my artwork, updated the podcast description and intro – this past year has helped me refine my voice and establish what I offer the fat community with confidence and clarity.

I’ve also decided to offer weekly episodes across all platforms, with you, my beautiful subscriber receiving episodes a week early. Instead of bonus episodes, you will receive access to videos, blogs, resources and a creative project that will become a regular resource.

I’m super excited about these changes, and to be able to deliver more resources and support to this community.

In this episode:

We’re starting off the new season with a catch up, because whilst I took a break from recording I’ve been busy finding a wonderful fat community on TikTok. It all started with my fashion videos, sharing my experiences as a fat person trying to find their ‘casual style’ and it’s kinda snowballed from there.

And then in early March I made a little video, like 15 seconds and it went sort of, kinda, maybe viral? At least viral for me.

I’ve been creating content for a decade, and have never experienced something like this. Over a few days I was confronted with all of my biggest fears, some of which had been festering since 2016, and I survived… and when you tune into episode 23 I’m sharing the good, the bad and the unhinged.

* Melanie discusses the fears that have held her back as a fat content creator.

* She highlights the negative impact of diet culture and fatphobia on her visibility.

* The conversation touches on the difference between skinny shaming and fat shaming.

* Melanie shares her experience with a viral video addressing an AI filter that promotes fat shaming.

* She emphasises the importance of community support

* Melanie reflects on her journey towards confidence and using her voice.

* The episode discusses the need for safe spaces for fat individuals online.

* Melanie expresses her commitment to advocating for fat acceptance and liberation.

* She concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace life outside of dieting.

Thanks for reading The Culture Of It All! Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Season Four

00:25 The Journey of a Fat Content Creator

04:50 The AI Chubby Filter

11:40 The Impact Of Visibility As A Fat Content Creator

15:58 Building Community and Support on TikTok

19:57 3 Much Needed Reminders From TikTok

25:38 Fashion, Body Image, and Fat Liberation

29:06 Conclusion and Future Directions

Next week:

I’m bringing you our first mini-sode… AND we’re taking a juicy deep dive into Diet Culture and The Diet Industry.

* What’s the difference?

* Do they work in isolation?

* Why are they so harmful?

All the answers and more next Tuesday pals…

Finally, I’d be so grateful if you could spread the word about The Culture Of It All, whether it’s here on substack, sharing the email or tagging the show on socials. When I started the show last year, I knew it was about laying a foundation, getting myself comfortable with speaking up and finding my flow. For the first time in my career, I’m not afraid to toot my own horn TOOT TOOT, and ask for support.

I’m SO ready for The Culture Of It All to be SEEN 👀 HEARD and CELEBRATED, just like the fat community. Thanks for being here, listening and any support you can offer.

The Culture Of It All! Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Trying something new, or at least new for this format — video! You’ll have to go ahead and let me know in the poll below what you think of having a video option for each episode…

This special bonus episode is a casual fat chat about the past week - fat shaming, a viral TikTok video and my new hair - and I’m reading you a blog post I wrote back in January as an introduction to Confessions Of A Fat Girl, and why this is so important.

Thanks for reading The Culture Of It All! Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it.