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The Fat Psychologist

The Fat Psychologist

Written by: Ninna Makrinov
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About this listen

 Welcome to The Fat Psychologist Podcast. Join me to decode wellbeing research so it can have a real impact in our lives. Let's make decisions based on information we understand, not based what others say we should think of ourselves. I will explore themes that have been important in my life, as I search for happiness and belonging. This is our journey, I would love you to contribute too!

In this first season, I explore the idea of “Happiness at every size”. I struggled with my weight for almost as longs as I can remember. I have come to love who I am; this is not dependent on my size. I gave up on the constant fight with my body and surprise: I am loved, I have a great job, I am accepted... and most importantly I accept myself most of the time. I invite you to do the same, let's reflect: how can we be happy at any size?

New episodes each SundayNinna Makrinov Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Fat, Geeky, Loved: Representation in the media with Catherine Richardson

    Fat, Geeky, Loved: Representation in the media with Catherine Richardson
    Jul 13 2025
    In this episode of The Fat Psychologist Podcast, Ninna is joined by fellow psychologist and self-proclaimed geek, Catherine Richardson, founder of Geek Mental Wellbeing. Together, they explore how representation in media—especially of fat and neurodiverse people—shapes our wellbeing, identity, and sense of belonging. We talk about:
    • How pop culture and gaming can support mental health and self-understanding
    • The power of seeing yourself in characters, especially for neurodiverse folks
    • Fat suits, stereotypes, and the harm of lazy representation
    • Personal stories of love, acceptance, and wedding dresses
    • Therapy approaches that embrace neurodiversity and challenge diet culture
    • Mindfulness, body autonomy, and reframing unhelpful thoughts

    From Gilmore Girls to Encanto, Bluey to Stardew Valley, we reflect on the joy of seeing diverse bodies and minds portrayed with care—and the impact that has on our own healing journeys.

    00:00 Introduction to The Fat Psychologist
    01:04 Meet Catherine: A Fellow Psychologist
    02:39 Representation in Media: The Impact on Wellbeing
    05:18 Positive Representations and Personal Experiences
    10:24 Gaming and Body Diversity
    15:00 Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Differences
    20:39 Sheldon from Big Bang Theory and Neurodiversity
    20:53 Autism in Media and Personal Experiences
    21:51 Anime and Neurodiverse Characters
    22:23 Geek Culture and Personal Interests
    23:08 The Hero's Journey in Stories
    23:42 Bluey and Life Lessons
    25:55 Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodiversity
    27:51 Mindfulness and Thought Management
    29:40 Body Image and Self-Acceptance
    30:56 Weight Loss and Coaching Experiences
    36:29 Final Thoughts and Key Messages
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    40 mins
  • Fat Counselling: Therapy & Fat Liberation with Jo Reader and Cat Chappell

    Fat Counselling: Therapy & Fat Liberation with Jo Reader and Cat Chappell
    Jun 22 2025
    Fat Counselling: Therapy and Fat Liberation with Jo Reader and Cat Chappell

    In this episode
    Ninna is joined by Jo Reader and Cat Chappell, known as The Fat Counsellors, for a rich and affirming conversation about therapy, fat liberation, and the need to challenge fat bias in therapeutic spaces.Jo and Cat share how their personal experiences and professional paths led them to create The Fat Counsellors and develop training that supports both therapists and the wider public in unlearning internalised fatphobia. Their work is grounded in compassion, activism, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe and seen in therapy.We explore:
    • The story behind The Fat Counsellors and their mission
    • What inclusive therapy looks like in practice
    • How therapy roles differ across countries and why that matters
    • Fat bias in medical and social systems, and how it shows up in the therapy room
    • Practical steps for finding or becoming a fat-inclusive therapist
    • What it means to be anti-diet and why it is not anti-dieter
    • The intersections of fatness, privilege, and oppression
    This episode is for anyone navigating therapy, working in mental health, or wanting to better understand how to challenge fat bias and support body liberation.Mentioned in this episode
    • The Fat Counsellors: thefatcounsellors.co.uk
    • Jo Reader: joreader.com | Instagram: @fatacceptancetherapist
    • Cat Chappell: catchappell.co.uk
    • Facebook Group: The Fat Counsellors (for therapists)
    • Aubrey Gordon’s film Your Fat Friend
    Transcript
    Available at thefatpsychologist.com/podcast

    00:05 – Intro
    01:13 – Today's Episode
    03:33 – The origins of The Fat Counsellors
    05:46 – Training Beyond Therapists
    08:10 – Understanding the Role of Therapists and Counsellors
    10:00 – Biases in Medical and Social Contexts
    17:47 – The Importance of Anti-Diet Culture
    24:47 – Practical Steps for Inclusive Therapy
    27:48 – Jo, Cat and their bodies
    30:04 – Oppression: centering fatness
    31:18 – Find Jo and Cat
    32:55 – Outro
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    36 mins
  • Happiness at Every Size: Thrive by being you

    Happiness at Every Size: Thrive by being you
    Jun 15 2025
    Happiness at Every Size:

    Self-Acceptance, Wellbeing, and Challenging Fat Bias

    Join psychologist Ninna Makrinov as she explores the concept of happiness at every size in this insightful episode. Ninna, known as The Fat Psychologist, delves into self-acceptance, contentment, and the importance of social support. Reflecting on her personal journey and current research, she examines the relationship between happiness, wellbeing, and fat bias.

    Discover key insights from the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and learn about myths related to weight and health. Whether you’re seeking self-acceptance or interested in psychological perspectives on happiness, this episode offers valuable guidance and thought-provoking discussions.

    00:00 Intro
    01:12 Episode structure
    02:04 The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire
    03:25 Are you thriving by being yourself?
    05:10 Am I thriving in being myself?
    06:36 Happiness at Every Size
    07:53 Contentment
    10:54 Self-acceptance and life satisfaction
    13:40 Ninna's story: privilege and adverse childhood experiences
    16:30 Social Support 19:07 Challenging Fatphobia
    23:12 5 Myths about weight and health - debunked by science
    26:22 The Risks of Intentional Weight Loss
    29:01 Outro
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    30 mins
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