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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Diet culture as religion: Faith and Fatness with Amanda Martinez Beck

    Diet culture as religion: Faith and Fatness with Amanda Martinez Beck
    Jun 8 2025
    In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Ninna is joined by author, activist, and future priest Amanda Martinez Beck to explore the powerful idea of diet culture as a religion. Together, they unpack how societal norms around body size, food, and morality mirror religious structures—and how we can begin to unlearn these harmful beliefs.From shared experiences of Catholicism and fat liberation to reflections on disability, theology, and representation, this conversation is rich with insight, vulnerability, and hope. Amanda and Ninna challenge the cultural narratives that equate thinness with virtue and fatness with failure, offering instead a vision of radical self-acceptance, spiritual abundance, and embodied joy.

    Mentioned in This Episode
    • Amanda’s books:
      • Lovely: How I Learned to Embrace the Body God Gave Me
      • More of You: The Fat Girl’s Field Guide to the Modern World
    • Amanda’s Substack: The Fat Dispatch
    • Fat and Faithful by Nicole Morgan
    • Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
    • Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen
    • Poodle Science by Stacy Bias (animated video)
    Connect with Amanda
    • Website: thefatdispatch.com
    • Instagram & Threads: @thefatdispatch
    Connect with Ninna
    • Website: thefatpsychologist.com
    • Instagram, Threads, Facebook, BlueSky: @thefatpsychologist
    Links on shownotes

    💌 Get Involved
    • Want to be a guest? Reach out via the website or socials.
    • Have a question or topic idea? Send it in!
    • Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Ninna is actively seeking sponsors—get in touch!
    00:00 Intro to The Fat Psychologist Podcast
    01:31 Today's Episode: Diet Culture as a Religion
    08:55 Amanda's Background and Fat Liberation Work
    14:35 Diet Culture and Body Positivity
    22:49 Diet Culture as Religion
    31:18 Fat Representation in Religion
    34:35 Embracing Fatness and Disability
    37:31 Finding Happiness and Acceptance
    40:41 Outro
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Feel it to heal it: Emotions with Juan Pablo Kalawski

    Feel it to heal it: Emotions with Juan Pablo Kalawski
    Jun 2 2025
    Feel It to Heal It: Emotions with Juan Pablo Kalawski

    Welcome to another episode of The Fat Psychologist Podcast. This week, Ninna Makrinov, aka The Fat Psychologist, is joined by psychologist and Alba Emoting master teacher Dr Juan Pablo Kalawski for a deep and heartfelt conversation about emotions—what they are, how we experience them, and how we can use them to heal and grow.We explore:
    • What emotions really are (and why defining them is so tricky)
    • The connection between body, breath, and feelings
    • Why anger isn’t bad—and how it can fuel positive change
    • The Alba Method: how breathing patterns can evoke real emotions
    • How to listen to your body and uncover emotional truths
    • Why therapy matters and how to reclaim your emotional power
    Whether you're a psychology enthusiast or just trying to make sense of your own emotional world, this episode is for you.

    Connect with Juan Pablo Kalawski on Facebook and find his work on ResearchGate

    Find me at: https://www.thefatpsychologist.com
    Instagram, Threads & BlueSky: @TheFatPsychologist

    Like, comment, and share if this episode resonated with you.

    Want to be a guest or sponsor? Get in touch.

    0:00 Introduction to The Fat Psychologist
    00:23 Exploring Happiness at Every Size
    01:17 Guest Introduction: Juan Pablo Kalawski
    03:14 Defining Emotions and Their Impact
    05:00 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Emotion Focused Therapy
    19:08 The Alba Method: Breathing and Emotions
    24:19 The Complexity of Human Emotions
    29:34 Final Thoughts and Key Messages
    32:17 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Revolutionary Hotness: Reclaiming pleasure

    Revolutionary Hotness: Reclaiming pleasure
    May 25 2025
    "Pleasure is going to be my ultimate beacon in this life." – Erica Sosa


    Season 1 Episode 8



    In this episode of the Fat Psychologist Podcast, host Ninna Makrinov is joined by guest Erica Sosa to discuss body positivity and the impact of societal stigma on mental health. They delve into topics such as desirability politics, the harmful effects of diet culture, and the importance of embracing pleasure at any size. Erica shares her experiences as a fat femme advocating for body inclusivity and challenges the stigmatization of fat bodies. The discussion is backed by research linking stigma to psychological distress, particularly depression. Ninna emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and making informed decisions about one's body. Listeners are encouraged to interact and share their thoughts on social media.

    Key Topics
    • Revolutionary Hotness: What it means to embody desirability as a fat femme
    • Desirability Politics: Challenging the idea that fat people should be grateful for attention
    • Pleasure as a Right: Reclaiming joy in food, fashion, movement, and intimacy
    • Stigma and Mental Health: A look at new research linking weight stigma to depression
    • Visibility vs. Bravery: When showing up is radical, and when it’s just living
    • Cultural Narratives: How media and cultural expectations shape our self-worth
    • Liberation Through Community: Finding strength in shared stories and solidarity
    📚 Research HighlightWe discuss a 2024 systematic review by Aisling O'Donnell and Aoife-Marie Foran, which found that 100% of studies on weight stigma included in the review showed a link to depression. This underscores the urgent need to challenge harmful narratives and support mental wellbeing at every size.💡 Erica’s Message to Listeners“Pleasure is going to be my ultimate beacon in this life. You deserve it now—not when you’re thinner, richer, or more accomplished. Right now.”📲 Connect with Us
    • Erica Sosa
      Instagram & Threads: @ericasosaofficial
      Substack: Revolutionary Hotness
    • Ninna Makrinov
      Website: thefatpsychologist.com
      Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Facebook: @thefatpsychologist
    🎧 Listen & SupportIf you enjoyed this episode:
    • Follow and rate the podcast on your favorite platform
    • Share it with someone who needs to hear this message
    • Consider sponsoring or recommending a size-inclusive brand
    💌 Want to be a guest? Reach out via the website. Priority is given to fat and marginalized voices, but all are welcome.

    00:00 Introduction
    06:29 Visibility: is it brave?
    11:40 Claim our body's power: take up space
    13:37 Trolls, bravery and boundaries
    15:38 We need to free ourselves
    22:46 You deserve pleasure now
    24:28 Outro
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Activism: Fat bodies are political with Erica Sosa

    Activism: Fat bodies are political with Erica Sosa
    May 18 2025
    In this powerful and deeply validating episode, Ninna Makrinov explores the political nature of fat bodies and the systems that shape our perceptions of them. Joined by the brilliant Erica Sosa, writer of Revolutionary Hotness, they unpack how fatness intersects with systems of power like religion, capitalism, and white supremacy. Together, they reflect on personal journeys, cultural expectations, and the radical act of simply existing in a marginalized body.This episode is a call to embrace who we are, challenge diet culture, and reclaim our space unapologetically.

    Listen & Support
    • Subscribe, rate, and share wherever you listen to podcasts.
    • Watch the video version on YouTube.
    • Support the podcast via Buy Me a Coffee.
    • Interested in sponsoring the show? Ninna is looking for values-aligned brands, especially inclusive fashion labels.
    📣 Next Episode TeaserStay tuned for Part 2 with Erica Sosa, where we dive into revolutionary hotness, desire, and pleasure—especially from the perspective of fat women. You won’t want to miss it!

    00:00 Fat bodies are political
    06:35 Personal journeys to body acceptance
    09:22 Cultural and religious influences
    11:01 Systems of oppression
    13:54 Our bodies are political
    14:51 Health, time poverty and structural barriers
    16:53 It't not about health
    18:35 Is oppression on the rise?
    21:09 Challenging diet culture
    22:42 Outro
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Be your authentic self: Ninna on courage, self-esteem and self-efficacy

    Be your authentic self: Ninna on courage, self-esteem and self-efficacy
    May 11 2025
    In this heartfelt episode, Ninna Makrinov, The Fat Psychologist, delves into the complexities of embracing authenticity and the courage it takes to be oneself. Ninna shares her personal journey, exploring themes of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the impact of societal expectations on our sense of self. She discusses the importance of inclusivity and how we can be happy at every size, backed by research and personal anecdotes.

    Call to Action:
    • Share your stories of daring to be yourself with Ninna, be a guest on my podcast.
    • Follow Ninna on Bluesky and Instagram @TheFatPsychologist.
    • Visit thefatpsychologist.com for precise transcripts and more resources.
    • Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Get in touch to join the journey.
    Production Credits: This episode was recorded, edited, and created by Ninna Makrinov.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:57 Embracing Authenticity
    05:30 Accepting myself as accepted
    10:13 Exploring Courage and Vulnerability
    17:51 Understanding Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy
    18:12 Self-esteeem
    20:49 Self-efficacy
    23:35 We are part of a bigger whole
    24:47 Changing our Beliefs
    26:38 Adding social support
    27:33 When we are down
    29:41 Conclusion and Call to Action
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins