Season 2 | Episode 7: The Weight of Their Words

☎️ Episode 7: The Weight of Their WordsWhat happens when the people meant to heal you become the ones who harm you? This is not a story about weight loss, it’s a story about survival & the cost of being told your body is a problem to fix.At 20 years old, Rachel Blake was told she wouldn’t live to see 30 unless she had bariatric surgery immediately. With no comorbidities and no time for a second opinion, she was rushed into a life altering procedure that left her battling post-surgical complications, chronic deficiencies and a long road to recovery.In this episode of Hysteria Hotline, Vesna, Dr Nurse Paula & Jacky sit with Rachel thirteen years on, as she reflects on the courage it takes to do the slow, painful work of reclaiming her body and her voice.Together they unpack:* How early conditioning to “just trust the experts” can silence self-advocacy especially in women and marginalised people* The devastating consequences of medical coercion and fear-based care* How weight stigma shapes healthcare, turning body size into a moral and medical crisis* Why the absence of informed consent is a breach of medical ethics* The myth that thinness equals wellnessRachel’s journey through medical trauma and recovery reminds us that the body remembers what the system forgets. This episode is a testament to resilience, courage and the radical act of listening to ourselves and to each other.💌 Subscribe for stories from the unheard, the dismissed, the chronically doubted and the so‑called hysterical. Stay on the line as we continue reclaiming our bodies, our stories and our right to be believed.Listen now → 🎙️ Episode 7: The Weight of Their Words(Available wherever you get your podcasts.)Disclaimer:Hysteria Hotline is for listening, laughing, and occasionally raging, not for medical advice. This podcast contains strong language, sensitive topics, personal stories, blunt opinions, biting truths, and the horrors of the patriarchy. By tuning in, you accept that we’re here to expose bias, share experiences, and spill the tea on medical nonsense — not prescribe treatment, give medical advice or diagnose.If you have health concerns, always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. For everything else like commiseration, validation, and a healthy dose of outrage, then you’re in the right place.Side effects may include laughter, rage, validation, and the sudden urge to demand better care.By listening, you acknowledge that the hosts and producers of Hysteria Hotline are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hysteriahotline.substack.com