202. People Pleasers Make the Best Overeaters

This week, we're talking boundaries—the invisible lines that protect our time, energy, and sanity (when we actually enforce them). Stef and Sarah unpack what boundaries really are (hint: not just saying "no"), how they show up in our bodies, our relationships, and our work—and why so many of us struggle to hold them. From family dynamics to friend drama, people-pleasing traps to food boundaries, they share real stories of what it takes to define and defend your limits without guilt. They also get into the psychology behind rigid vs. porous boundaries, how social conditioning makes it harder for some of us to draw the line, and why clear communication isn't just helpful—it's essential. If you've ever felt like setting a boundary makes you mean—or like you're constantly betraying yourself just to avoid conflict—this conversation is for you. Tune in for a candid, compassionate look at how to honor your needs and why boundaries aren't just protective… they're a form of kindness. 01:09 Defining Boundaries 02:20 Types of Boundaries 04:09 Personal Experiences with Boundaries 08:09 Boundaries in Relationships 10:32 Communicating Boundaries Effectively 11:41 Challenges in Setting Boundaries 13:11 Owning Your Boundaries 21:23 The Importance of Clear Communication 22:56 Setting Boundaries with Family 24:35 Navigating Boundaries in Friendships 26:41 Balancing Personal and Professional Boundaries 28:56 Understanding Boundaries in Therapy 34:57 Boundaries and Food Relationships 40:55 Concluding Thoughts on Boundaries Join our support community. This community is for you if you want a safe space to work through your daily struggles with food and body image. Community membership includes livestream episode recordings (online), monthly Zoom support meetings, a private Facebook group and member-only Q&A episodes. For more information go to: https://www.patreon.com/lifeafterdiets Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterdietspodcast Email – [email protected] Connect with Stefanie Michele, Binge Eating Coach & Somatic Therapist IT Website – www.iamstefaniemichele.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/iamstefaniemichele Connect with Sarah Dosanjh, Author & Psychotherapist Website – www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com Instagram – www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon