F-Words: Fat Positive Fall

Welcome to a brand new season of The Culture Of It All! I’m back this season to explore and discuss the F Words with y’all. You’ll hear from me, and some incredible guests as we chat about topics such as the Fashion Industry, Fat Representation, Fiction, Plus Size Fitness, and Food.In this episode I am easing us into this new season and discussing fat positivity with a twist. When I started this podcast, I realised very quickly that even when you surround yourself with anti diet and body positive content, the diet culture and weight loss content also ramps up. Meta, and I’m sure other platforms, don’t recognise anti diet culture content and assume I want to see weight loss accounts.At the same time, I am hyper aware of how other content creators are treated online and it’s really daunting to speak up and put your larger body online. I’ve noticed that more intrusive and negative thoughts about my body have popped up, I’m able to navigate through them, but want to focus on the energy of this quote: “There’s so much more to the fat experience than just the horror stories.” - from Brooke Hull via BodyLiberationPhotos.ComYes, the horror stories fuel this work, I will use my voice to advocate for those who don’t feel seen and heard, and I also want to embrace more fat joy and positivity. This summer was not as hard as the previous years, I was super prepared and I’m taking so much of what I’ve learned into this new season with me.TakeawaysMelanie introduces the new season of her podcast, 'The Culture of It All,' where she explores and discusses various topics related to ditching diet culture and living life in a larger body.She emphasises the importance of joy, healing, and positive experiences in a larger body, and shares her personal intentions for a 'Fat Positive Fall.'Melanie reflects on her journey of being more visible online and the challenges and rewards that come with it.Melanie discusses the impact of diet culture on mental and emotional well-being, and the need to challenge societal norms and expectations."Quitting dieting feels like an audacious act."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Season Overview03:53 The Evolving Relationship Of Being Visible Online05:47 Fat Positivity + My Relationship With My Body13:44 Navigating Negativity and Trolls on Social Media15:18 The Audacious Act of Quitting Dieting20:38 Pursuing Gentle and Joyful Movement23:04 Finding a Comfortable Pace in Work and Life24:47 Getting Dressed, Styling Outfits, and Sharing Fashion28:25 Excitement for Fall Activities and Plans🗓️ Coming Up in SeptemberSeptember 10th - Myth Busting Minisode: eating in Moderation, 80/20 and balance ONLY ON SUBSTACKSeptember 17th E012: Flattering, Femininity & Fitting In: How I Reclaimed My Passion for Fashion (in a larger body)September 24th Bonus: From bingeing to only having one: why it feels impossibleONLY ON SThank you for listening to The Culture Of It All! this podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive early posts, bonus material and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber on Substack. Come say 'hello' on social media! You'll find episode content on Instagram stories. Looking for more conversations around the politics of fashion? Join me on TikTok Until next time, pals — keep showing up, speaking up, and taking up space.