Wrapping Up 2023: Fatphobia, Holiday Food Politics & the War on Gaza

Send us Fan Mail**The below is AI generated**Ever been cornered at a family feast by Aunt Marge, who can't help but comment on your third helping of pavlova? We've all been there. Join Chris and Jane as we stir up a candid conversation about the holidays and the unwanted side dish of fatphobia they bring. From the cultural anthems like Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" that bind us, to the personal and societal pressures on body image that divide us, we're unpacking the complexities of festive food politics. We reflect on our nation's identity and how holiday cheer often comes with a side helping of guilt, especially when young, impressionable ears are at the table.Imagine sitting across from someone who, between bites of turkey, preaches about their latest diet. Awkward? Absolutely. That’s why we're navigating the choppy waters of body and food judgments with care. Sharing tales from Southeast Asia, we tackle the cultural variances in body image perceptions and the art of respecting diverse dietary choices without imposing our own. Our discussion isn't just about the food on our plates, but also the deeper societal norms cooking in the background of our health and financial conversations. And yes, we're going to touch on those public health campaigns that often leave a sour taste during the sweet holiday season.Now, onto the myths that just won't go cold—like the idea that a shiver in an ice bath will shed the pounds. We're chilling out with Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz's enlightening thread debunking this frosty fallacy. And if that's not enough, we're slicing into the debate on office cake culture with the same scrutiny as a controversial Jerusalem Post article that – believe it or not – linked conflict to weight loss. By the end of our chat, you'll be seeing Christmas metaphors in a new light, peering beyond the festive facade to the sometimes harsh truths they obscure. So, grab your mug of mulled wine, and let's cut through the holiday hullabaloo together.Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health. Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" [email protected]