✨ Episode Summary:

Welcome back for Season 2 of Stop, Collaborate, and Listen! In this episode, we talk with our RD boss and favorite voice of reason, Lauren Rieker. And today’s episode is… a little spicier than usual. We’re talking about the new Dietary Guidelines that are being marketed as revolutionary… but in reality are confusing, misleading, and honestly kind of dangerous.

In this conversation, we break down why these so-called “revolutionary” guidelines miss the mark—especially for folks with eating disorders. We dig into what’s misleading, what’s not actually backed by solid science, and how ranking or moralizing foods can do real harm.

🧰 Takeaways:

• The new dietary guidelines are marketed as revolutionary but are confusing and misleading.
• The emphasis on protein and animal foods in the new pyramid raises health concerns.
• Food insecurity and other social determinants of health are ignored.
• The guidelines may exacerbate fears around carbohydrates and processed foods, especially for those with eating disorders.
• The guidelines ignore decades of nutritional science and evidence-based recommendations.
• Ultimately, we’re advocating for nuance, context, and a more inclusive, balanced way of thinking about food.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• South Park Style Announcement

• New Food Pyramid Website

• Plate by Plate Approach IG

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🔗 Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/

IG: @collab.counseling

✨ Episode Summary:

In this season finale of the podcast, we reflect on our journey through the first season, discussing our favorite episodes, achievements, and the impact of celebrity culture on body image. We delve into the Hollywood thinness trend, the societal pressures surrounding body image, and the importance of navigating these conversations with care.

🎧 Rate & Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks!

🔗 Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/

IG: @collab.counseling

✨ Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with CCN dietitian Amber Riggin for a deep, honest conversation about the intersection of neurodivergence and nutrition — and why traditional “just try harder” advice fails so many ADHD, autistic, and otherwise neurodivergent folks.

Together, we unpack the real-life experiences behind labels, stigma, and support. We dig into how neurodivergence shapes eating patterns: sensory needs, executive function, interoception, food rigidity, grazing, hyperfocus, meal-skipping, and everything in between. From intuitive eating to structure that actually supports ND brains, the conversation challenges old narratives about “willpower” and “healthy habits.”

This episode is compassionate, validating, and full of practical insights for anyone navigating food, body image, or mental health through a neurodivergent lens.

🧠 Takeaways:

• Why labels aren’t limiting — they’re liberating
• How stigma, culture, and politics shape our understanding of neurodivergence
• The unique ways ADHD and autism influence eating patterns
• Why neuroaffirming nutrition beats rigid meal plans every time
• The hidden overlap between fitness culture and disordered eating
• How to build a more compassionate, realistic relationship with food

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• ANAD statistics

• A Guide to Understanding the Neurodivergent Umbrella

🎧 Rate & Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks!

🔗 Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/
• IG: @collab.counseling

✨ Episode Summary: In this episode, Jen and Allison sit down with fellow CCN clinician, Megan, to talk all things PCOS — what it is, what it isn’t, and how diet culture has totally distorted the conversation. We unpack the myths, the medical confusion, and the real-life impact PCOS has on body image, hormones, and mental health. Megan shares insights from her work with clients navigating PCOS and offers a grounded, compassionate take on what supportive care actually looks like (hint: it’s not cutting out every carb).

Together, we explore how providers, clients, and caregivers can approach PCOS with curiosity instead of fear, focusing on individualized care, self-trust, and ditching the shame that so often comes with this diagnosis. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting PCOS advice or stuck in the wellness noise, this conversation will feel like a deep breath.

🧠 Takeaways:

• PCOS is complex — and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
• Diet culture has turned PCOS into a fear-based diagnosis.
• Blood sugar, hormones, and mental health are all connected.
• Restriction and shame make symptoms worse, not better.

• It’s possible to manage PCOS without sacrificing your relationship with food or your body.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

What is PCOS? blog post by Megan

PCOS Nutrition Center

Ovasitol Inositol Powder Supplement

Rene Jay & Women’s Health Series on TikTok

Megan’s Fav IG Accounts:

• pcos.nutritionist
• pcosnutrition

Megan’s Iced Coffee Koozie

🎧 Rate & Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks!

🔗 Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/

IG: @collab.counseling

✨ Episode Summary: In this episode, we break down the basics of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in a way that actually makes sense for real life and eating disorder recovery. We explore the inner “parts” we all have—like the perfectionist, the food police, the people-pleaser, the inner teen, the one who just wants to check out—and how they’re all trying to help us in their own ways, even when it doesn’t feel helpful.

Together, we talk through the goals of IFS, the different types of parts, common misconceptions, and how this model can support healing, self-compassion, and a more peaceful relationship with food and your body. You’ll also hear some relatable examples from our favorite TV shows and gentle entry points if you’re curious about exploring your own internal system.

This one is equal parts educational, permission-giving, and grounding—perfect for anyone wanting to understand themselves with more softness, curiosity, and care.

🧰 Takeaways:

• IFS helps us understand the different “parts” within us and how they work together (or don’t!).
• Every part has a purpose—some protect us, some carry pain, and all of them are trying to help.
• The goal isn’t to get rid of parts, but to build connection so they can work with us instead of against us.
• Parts often fall into 3 categories: Managers, Firefighters, and Exiles.
• Our Self—the calm, compassionate, grounded inner leader—is who we want steering the ship.
• Eating disorder behaviors can be seen as protective strategies to manage emotional pain or overwhelm.
• All parts are welcome. Healing comes from understanding, not silencing, the parts of you that are struggling.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• What is Internal Family Systems blog post: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/what-is-internal-family-systems
• Introduction Into Internal Family Systems by Richard C. Schwartz
• No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
• Unburdened Eating: Healing Your Relationships with Food and Your Body Using an Internal Family Systems by Jeanne Catanzaro
• We Can Do Hard Things IFS Episode Part 1 and Part 2 (Dick leads hosts through the IFS process)
• We Can Do Hard Things IFS w/Dr. Becky Kennedy Episode

🎧 Rate & Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks!

🔗 Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/
• IG: @collab.counseling
  

✨Episode Summary: From Mean Girls to Love Island to the endless “hot girl” eras, diet culture has been hiding in plain sight — and pop culture’s been serving it up for decades.

In this episode, we take a nostalgic (and slightly cringe) walk down memory lane, unpacking how our favorite TV shows, movies, and celebrities shaped the way we think about bodies, food, and worth. We talk about early 2000s media moments that fueled disordered eating messages, how “wellness” has become diet culture’s chic rebrand, and the generational ripple effects of those messages.

You’ll hear honest reflections, a few laughs, and some serious “wow, I didn’t even realize that was diet culture” moments — plus thoughts on what it might look like to create a new narrative around body image, one that actually leaves room for real life and real bodies. And, we hear from fellow CCN clinician, Brenna Barnard, with her take on The Real Housewives and Love Island.

🧰 Takeaways:

• Shows like Gilmore Girls and Love Island reflect (and reinforce) diet culture messages.
• Early 2000s media made disordered eating and fat shaming feel “normal.”
• Today’s “wellness” trends are often diet culture in disguise.

• Body image struggles often trace back through generations.
• Awareness is the first step toward change — you can’t challenge what you don’t notice.
• We deserve media that shows real, diverse, and dynamic bodies.
• Healing means questioning the stories we were raised on — and writing new ones.

🎧 Rate & Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks!

🔗 Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/

IG: @collab.counseling

✨ Episode Summary: “Love your body!” sounds great… until it doesn’t. In this episode, Jen and Allison sit down with Brenna Barnard, LMHC, a therapist from Collaborative Counseling and Nutrition, to talk about one of the most complicated relationships out there — the one we have with our bodies. Together, we unpack what body image really means, why “loving your body” can feel out of reach, and how the idea of body neutrality can offer some breathing room in a culture obsessed with appearance. We dig into how feelings (not just facts) shape the way we see ourselves, and how therapy, community, and compassion can help shift those internal narratives. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “love your body” and “I don’t even know where to start,” this one’s for you.

💕Connect w/Breanna: @healingwithbrenna

🧰 Takeaways:

• Body neutrality offers a realistic middle ground for body image.
• Feelings about our bodies are often rooted in deeper emotions.
• It's important to validate feelings rather than suppress them.
• Understanding the influences on body image can help in managing it.
• Practical strategies include focusing on comfort and self-care.
• Mantras can help shift perspectives on body image.
• Body image is just one aspect of a person's identity.

⏰ Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Body Image and Body Neutrality
• 10:38 Exploring Body Image: Feelings vs. Facts
• 22:51 Understanding Body Neutrality
• 39:05 Practical Steps for Body Image Improvement
• 42:39 Final Thoughts and Resources

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• Body Neutrality blog post by Brenna: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/body-neutrality
• You Don’t Have to Love Your Body blog post: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-love-your-body
• 8 Ways to Support Yourself on Tough Body Image Days: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/8-ways-to-support-yourself-during-tough-body-image-days
• Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery by Colleen Reichman and Jennifer Rollins
• Body Neutrality by Eleanor Clark
• More Than a Body by Lexie & Lindsay Kite

🎧 Rate & Review:

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a 5-star review — it really helps us reach more folks!

🔗 Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/
• IG: @collab.counseling