A Soul with a Body: Reframing Faith, Food, and Freedom with Diane

In this episode, Lisa and group coaching alum, Diane, explore her  journey from religiously shaped body image and emotional eating to trauma-informed healing. They discuss the cycles of restriction and shame, leaving a rigid church, identity reframing, somatic practices, mindful eating, acceptance, and setting boundaries. Through the coaching program, Diane learned reconnection, safety, empowerment over control, and differentiating physical vs. emotional hunger, leading to sustainable behavior change and autonomy.Topics Include:Religious UpbringingDiet CultureEmotional Healing Healthy Relationship with Food[0:56] Lisa introduces her former client, Diane, who identifies as a mother of four daughters, separated for over two years after a 28-year marriage, employed full-time, and at peace with current life circumstances. Diane discusses discovering Lisa via Instagram and the podcast and realizing she was missing the mind-body connection, and realizing she was an emotional eater.[07:00] Lisa and Diane dive into her childhood in a legalistic church and school with strict gender roles and dress codes. Diane shares that although she was sheltered from mainstream media, she still received strong body-related messaging within family and church contexts. Diane talks about how she internalized that body size relates to being ‘good enough’ and ‘put together,’ affecting perceived worth.[13:47] Diane shares with Lisa that she was molested as a child and that she realized later in life, after going to therapy,  that being called to the dining room for dinner felt safe, linking food/mealtimes with safety. Lisa acknowledges the magnitude of this trauma and its under-discussed influence on emotional eating.[18:30] Diane explains that her faith emphasized doing for others and suppressing personal feelings, leaving her without a safe space to express emotions. Lisa validates that lack of safety often leads people to use food for comfort and safety. Diane discusses joining Weight Watchers, counting points, and walking with her mom at the age of 15. Diane shares that despite not being morbidly overweight, she perceived herself as heavier and felt compelled to diet.[30:50] Lisa and Diane discuss how the unfair treatment after the hospital birth of her fourth child, led her to begin questioning her upbringing and church practices. Diane shares how during a family trip to the mountains, she knew she could not return or send children back to church school. Lisa and Diane examine how other diet programs can provide useful nutrition literacy but often entrench perfectionism and good/bad food dichotomies.[51:39] Lisa and Diane discuss her journey to the Out of the Cave group coaching program and how an early module helped Diane reframe her thinking to ‘I am a soul, I have a body,’ catalyzing significant perspective change and reconnection. They discuss how this reframing identity fosters self-compassion and opens a path to address emotional roots of eating.[1:12:43] Lisa and Diane talk about the lessons she learned during the group coaching program that have helped her learn to cope with her feelings and make different decisions in learning to feel her feelings and choosing herself. Lisa and Diane wrap up the episode by discussing how the program’s permission-based eating avoids shame and restriction, fostering empowered choices aligned with bodily signals.*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials: Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

This episode features a conversation between Lisa and Jenny, a former OOTC client, about her long-term journey of healing her relationship with food and her body. Together, Lisa and Jenny cover the integration of mind-body practices, shifting from outcome-based goals to behavior-focused intentions, and the importance of self-compassion. They explore finding a balanced, individual approach to health and fitness, moving beyond the extremes of diet and anti-diet cultures, and building self-trust through compassionate action.Topics Include:Healing and Self-CompassionPersonal GrowthDiet and Anti-Diet Culture[1:06] Lisa introduces her former client, Jenny, who has returned to the podcast to discuss an email from Jenny describing her progress years after a coaching program. She reported no longer stressing about food, focusing on nutrition, enjoying social eating, improved sleep, and effortless weight loss by internalizing the program's principles over time. [07:27] Jenny aims to share what daily life looks like after these principles are integrated, offering a tangible perspective for listeners who are currently on their own journey and may be questioning the process. Jenny talks about how her journey started around 2021-2022, prompted by feeling disconnected from her body post-pandemic. Jenny shares that the first step was a small, consistent change: a daily dog walk and how this was a conscious decision to listen to her body rather than reverting to unsustainable diet and exercise regimes.[13:20] Lisa and Jenny discuss how her health goals have evolved from rigid, outcome-based targets (e.g., losing a specific amount of weight) to flexible, behavior-focused intentions. Jenny talks about actions that enhance overall well-being, such as mood and sleep, with weight loss being an acceptable but not primary outcome. Lisa talks about how health is measured by a multi-dimensional chart that includes mental, emotional, social, and physical aspects. Lisa and Jenny discuss how this approach encourages prioritizing different areas of health as needed, ensuring that physical goals do not overshadow emotional or social well-being, leading to a more integrated and balanced life.[23:52] Lisa and Jenny explore moving beyond the rigid doctrines of both diet culture and the reactive anti-diet culture and the key is to find a personal "middle ground" by assessing which behaviors feel safe on an individual level. Jenny explains how radical self-honesty is crucial to determine what is genuinely supportive for one's well-being, rather than applying blanket rules.[40:15] Jenny talks about how a sustainable health journey is not linear and that building self-trust over time allows for flexibility and resilience. Lisa and Jenny discuss that consistency is redefined not as perfection, but as the commitment to return to your practice after a break, viewing rest as part of the process rather than a failure. Lisa and Jenny explore how building trust with oneself is achieved by repeatedly honoring commitments and taking action, not just through kind self-talk. They also discuss how the 'pause' is an important tool to either reflect on resistance or decide to proceed with the action regardless of feeling.[1:13:25] Lisa and Jenny discuss the importance of recognizing oneself as a whole human with mental, emotional, and spiritual parts, not just a physical body. Lisa and Jenny highlight celebrating the win of choosing to listen to one's body and go home when tired, even if a planned workout is incomplete. *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials: Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this follow-up episode, Lisa returns to further discuss what was left unsaid — the complicated truths about losing weight and intentional weight loss. Together with Theresa, Lisa explores the messy middle between diet culture’s false promises and anti-diet absolutes. Lisa and Theresa confront how weight loss can bring both relief and complications, revealing a more holistic path toward healing, nuance, and self-trust.Topics Include:The Messy MiddleSocial Stigma and SafetyIntentional Weight Loss vs. DietingFierce Self-Compassion[1:06] Lisa is once again interviewed by Theresa, a member of the 'Out of the Cave' community. Lisa felt that a couple of weeks of reflection revealed two key areas that were left unsaid. She feels nervous but compelled to discuss them for authenticity and to have a more complete conversation. [08:24] Lisa opens the discussion on the 'messy' and 'uncomfortable' truth that weight loss can have real benefits. She notes that this is a topic often avoided or resisted by the anti-diet movement, but she feels it's crucial to address the nuance and her own experiences with it. Research and data consistently show that for individuals with conditions like morbid obesity on the BMI chart, weight loss can lead to both physical and emotional benefits, thereby improving their quality of life.[18:24] Lisa discusses the 'complicated truth,' using her own experience of losing 150 pounds as an example. While she would have reported a higher quality of life at the time, she was also dissociated, starving, and her body was failing which wasn't part of that assessment. Reflecting on a group discussion about Oprah's Ozempic special, she recalls a member criticizing the show for implying life is better if you're not overweight. Lisa's internal conflict was acknowledging that 'sometimes it is' better.[20:18] Theresa points out the false promises from both extremes: diet culture suggests losing weight will fix all problems, while anti-diet culture suggests that abandoning restriction will do the same. She believes the truth is more complex. Lisa agrees with Theresa, stating the nuanced truth is the 'middle ground.' Diet culture says weight loss solves all problems, anti-diet culture says it solves none, but the reality is that it might solve some problems, which is a significant distinction.[48:15] Lisa describes her recent experience returning to a weight she hadn't been at for a decade, in a healthy, sustainable way without negative side effects like hair loss or fatigue. Theresa asks Lisa about the difference between dieting and intentional weight loss. Lisa describes dieting as often extreme, one-size-fits-all, and lacks bio-individuality. Lisa explains that intentional weight loss is flexible and accounts for real life. It follows a 'two steps forward, one step back' model, where gaining weight from a vacation is part of the plan, not a failure. This prevents the 'all or nothing' mindset.[1:06:37] Lisa explains that when you first start something, it's always hard, sloppy, and messy, just like learning to tie your shoes for the first time. But with practice, it will become a habit that doesn't require conscious thought. Lisa discusses how intentional weight loss is not impossible, but it requires "fierce self-compassion" and emotional work as the first step. [1:13:37] Lisa and Theresa wrap up the episode by expressing that this new approach, positioned between the typical anti-diet and pro-diet mentalities, is refreshing, different, and 'amazing.' Theresa believes the world may now be ready for this perspective. *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials: Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Lisa is interviewed by Out of the Cave (OOTC) community member, Theresa. Lisa discusses her professional and academic work, including her doctorate in social work and upcoming programs. The core of the conversation focuses on healing one's relationship with food through self-reparenting, applying the Division of Responsibility framework, and the evolution of eating disorder treatment. Lisa also shares insights from her trauma-informed clinical program and her vision for the OOTC community.Topics Include:Reparenting through foodSatter’s Division of ResponsibilityDoctorate of Social Work ProgramFuture of the OOTC Program[0:32] Lisa is interviewed by Theresa, a member of the Out of the Cave community. The idea was suggested by Theresa, who was inspired by a similar episode from years prior. Lisa discusses concurrently managing her business and pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW). Lisa talks about the final cohort of her group coaching program and hosting a retreat at the Omega Institute in September 2025, which she considers a significant career milestone. [8:48] Theresa asks Lisa to rephrase the concept 'using food is the means with which we learn to repair ourselves' in a way that is understandable to those not familiar with the specialized vocabulary of the OOTC community. Lisa explains that the relationship with food serves as a mechanism for learning how to "reparent" or take care of oneself. This encompasses a physical dimension, which involves taking full responsibility for one's nutrition—planning, purchasing, preparing, and eating meals. She explains that it also involves an emotional dimension, which is the ability to manage the feelings that surface when changing eating habits, such as guilt or fear. This approach requires self-compassion and the capacity to sit with discomfort, embodying a form of loving discipline for one's own well-being.[22:31] Lisa and Theresa discuss Satter’s Division of Responsibility as a framework for establishing healthy eating boundaries. In this model, a parent is responsible for what, when, and where food is provided, and the child is responsible for how much and whether they eat.  Lisa talks about how this concept was personally transformative for helping her understand her own lifelong issues with food.[38:52] Theresa and Lisa discuss her doctorate program. Lisa explains that the curriculum in the trauma-informed clinical program is highly validating, as it covers topics like the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, the neurobiology of trauma, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness, which are central to her own teaching and coaching. Lisa about how the experience confirms the validity of her approach. They discuss how the program provides deeper insight into the academic language and research methodologies used in the field. Lisa shares learning the distinction between 'emotional eating' and 'external eating' (environmental triggers for eating) and becoming familiar with formal screening tools and terminology used in academic literature. Lisa and Theresa examine how the conversation around eating disorders is moving from a polarized state of 'diet culture' versus 'anti-diet culture' to a more nuanced approach. [55:20] Lisa and Theresa wrap up the episode with a discussion of the future for Out of the Cave. They talk about the potential directions of continuing groups and retreats, publishing research, writing, teaching, and working with different demographics like children and families. *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials: Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Lisa and guest expert Jenn Trepeck break down some of the most common myths and challenges around food and health. Together they dive into practical ways to make intentional eating feel less overwhelming, from writing meals down to using alarms as training wheels for new habits. Jenn also clarifies the role of carbohydrates, highlighting the importance of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and how to balance starches for stable blood sugar.Topics Include:Intentional EatingIntermittent FastingSustainable Weight Management Mindful Nutrition[1:50] Lisa discusses the value of aligning with guests whose lived experience mirrors the struggles of her audience, making space for authentic and relatable conversations and asks Jenn to introduce herself. Jenn Trepeck is a health coach and host of the podcast Salad with a Side of Fries, came to wellness through her own “saga” of dieting and body struggles. After years on the weight-loss roller coaster, discovered an approach that transformed her relationship with food and inspired her to coach others. Since 2019, she’s been helping people reclaim their health and freedom around food through her practice and podcast.[12:41] Lisa asks Jen to elaborate on what she learned that she now teaches. Lisa notes that her teaching usually focuses on the mental/emotional side of food, and Jen's perspective on the physical/biological aspect is a valuable addition. Lisa and Jenn discuss how many food cravings are not about willpower but about biology, often driven by low blood sugar and how once she understood this, her choices became less emotional and more about listening to her body’s needs. Lisa talks about how what people often call “emotional eating” is frequently under-fueling throughout the day, which creates confusion and guilt.[15:38] Lisa and Jenn talk about how effective weight management is achieved by maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Jenn uses a grocery store conveyor belt analogy to explain blood sugar. When food comes at a steady pace, insulin carries fuel properly, but spikes or dips push excess into fat storage. Lisa thinks this analogy is a powerful way to show how simple shifts in timing and balance can create stability rather than shame around food.[29:11] Jenn provides a framework for eating that focuses on food quality and uses hand measurements for portion sizes, rather than counting calories or macros. She believes that if the food is of high quality, the body can regulate the quantity on its own. This approach promotes balance without the need for restrictive counting.[44:09] Lisa acknowledges that being mindful about meal timing, size, and content is crucial for stability but represents a significant mental block for many people, as it can feel overwhelming to take on this responsibility. Jenn suggests writing down what you eat and when you eat it on paper to free up mental capacity. She explains that using alarms as reminders to check for hunger can also help with planning.[55:06] Jenn reminds listeners that not all carbohydrates are equal. Our meals should prioritize fiber-rich carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits. Jenn suggests that a healthy approach to weight focuses on "fat removal" and improving body composition rather than just lowering the number on the scale. [1:10:46] Lisa and Jenn wrap up the episode by discussing Jenn’s typical meals and how listeners can find Jenn. Jenn’s podcast, Salad with a Side of Fries |  Website | Instagram.*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials: Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Ann, a 71-year-old artist, dancer, and healer, who opens up about her lifelong journey with food, body image, and emotional healing. Ann takes us through the ups and downs of living in a body that often felt like both a battleground and a refuge. Through movement, dance, and the support of the OOTC community, she has found profound transformation—especially through her time in the Out of the Cave program.Topics Include:Food and Family DynamicsAdolescence and Body Shame   Movement as HealingCommunity and Support[:35] Lisa encourages listeners to register for the Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute from September 7-12, 2025 and to sign up for the final group coaching cohort starting in September.[4:45] Ann introduces herself as a 71-year-old artist from Seattle. Her professional life has centered on performing and healing arts, including movement, dance, theater, and massage therapy. She expresses a deep curiosity about the human experience and the mind-body connection. Lisa and Ann discuss her childhood memories of food. Ann shares her earliest memory wasn’t about food but being 3 years old hiding in a cupboard with brown sugar. Ann remembers being a picky eater with little interest in food.  [9:29] Ann describes dinner times as tense due to her father’s presence. Ann talks about eating alone because of the tension at the table. Ann describes her struggles with body image, as she started linking her self-worth to her physical appearance during her teenage years. Lisa and Ann discuss how high school brought challenges with weight gain and body image, intensified by the school newspaper promoting an ‘ideal’ female figure. [20:35] Ann shares how her career as an aerobics instructor in her mid-20s prompted an understanding of food as fuel for performance. She describes how this period of high physical activity and improved nutrition led to enhanced mental clarity, an end to a long-term depression, and a return to college. Lisa and Ann talk about how the death of her father and subsequent diagnosis of her mother with cancer further compounded a period of profound grief and depression, resulting in significant weight gain from emotional eating and decreased physical activity. [31:29] Ann talks about how after her mother’s passing, she rediscovered dance through a mind-body practice called Nia. Ann became a Nia instructor for 13 years. Ann discovered that when she engaged in the movement she loved, her eating habits would improve.[41:50] Lisa and Ann discuss how in the summer of 2023, she was on a very restrictive diet, which made her angry at herself for ‘falling for it again’ and giving her power away to an external system, despite intuitively knowing that such methods are not a long-term solution. Ann shares with Lisa how finding her 14-week program provided an essential container for healing. Lisa and Ann emphasize the power of the group setting, where listening to others’ stories and feeling accepted creates a safe, powerful and transformative environment. [51:53] Lisa and Ann discuss how the program offers a unique, safe space to share vulnerabilities about food and body image. Ann shares that consistently experiencing safety and acceptance in a group is presented as the fundamental mechanism for transformation.*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 

In this podcast, Lisa meets with Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Manya Ronay. Together they discuss a comprehensive approach to nutrition that integrates balanced dietary practices with emotional well-being. They address emotional eating, stress management, and the use of Internal Family Systems to balance dietary choices.Topics Include:Intuitive EatingFood Industry   IFS FrameworkEmotional EatingIntentional Weight Loss Strategies[:35] Lisa encourages listeners to sign up for the final group coaching cohort starting in September and the Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute from September 7-12, 2025.[10:22] Manya introduces herself as a certified health educator, nutrition specialist, and practitioner trained in internal family systems, underscoring a commitment to nuanced health and eating narratives. Lisa encourages listeners to listen to the previous podcast episode with Manya. Lisa and Manya discuss nutritional science and its diverse expert opinions, political influences, and constant evolution. [15:14] Lisa discusses how her approach to food intake is like managing a financial budget, where understanding caloric surplus and deficit plays a key role. She explains how this method allows her to be aware of the calories in food without succumbing to judgment or rigidity, allowing for informed choices to maintain weight balance. [22:00] Manya expresses caution about the potential pitfalls of anti-diet and intuitive eating messages, how they gaslight by promoting absolute freedom from food monitoring. Lisa and Manya discuss the value of mindful eating, how balance is necessary to avoid counterproductive outcomes. [28:25] Manya discusses Kevin Hall’s experiment that showed that ultra-processed meals led to higher calorie consumption, while real foods increased satiety and reduced caloric intake, resulting in weight loss. Lisa discusses how her approach to maintaining her weight loss is eating for volume and choosing high-nutrient, low-calorie foods over calorie-dense, low-volume options.[49:30] Lisa and Manya discuss how her living in an environment of high stress has led to her using food to gain a sense of comfort and safety. They discuss how Manya should shift to managing stress and embracing embodied safety will help her with her intentional weight loss without a diet mentality. Manya talks about how the IFS framework is used to balance contrasting inner parts: firefighters, representing the urge to eat for comfort, and managers, which impose boundaries. Lisa and Manya explain how this integration supports healthy eating decisions while honoring the positive intention of every inner part.[1:18:56] Lisa and Manya wrap up the episode by discussing how listeners can learn more about Manya and connect at: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn.  *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 

In this podcast, Lisa explores trauma-informed, holistic approaches to food, eating, and body image, focusing on the psychology of shame, internalized sexism, and somatic experiences in therapy with David Bedrick. Together they discuss the importance of compassionate inquiry, critique mainstream treatment methods, and personal and professional journeys. Their conversation highlights the integration of emotional and physical healing, the role of self-compassion, and the value of unshaming in supporting individuals with disordered eating. Topics Include:Body ImageTrauma Informed Care Disordered EatingCoping Mechanisms[:35] Lisa introduces David, expressing admiration for his work. David shares his professional background of over 30 years as a psychologist, 10 years as an attorney, author of five books including ‘The Unshaming Way’, and his research on body shame. David discusses his upbringing in a violent home, the impact of trauma and denial, and how these experiences led to his interest in trauma, shame, and psychology.[10:22] David discusses with Lisa the differences in body image issues between men and women, highlighting the impact of sexism and internalized negative voices, especially for women. David shares findings from his research that resistance to dieting programs can be an act of self-love, rather than a lack of discipline. David explains how the ‘unshaming way’ reframes eating behaviors as intelligent responses to unmet needs rather than problems to be fixed. David describes how a client, after working on asserting her needs in life, saw a reduction in compulsive eating. [14:00] David presents a case where a woman’s craving for hamburgers was linked to her unmet need for autonomy and self-expression. By exploring her desires in a non-shaming way, she recognized that eating hamburgers was the only area where she prioritized her own needs, leading to broader personal growth. [21:00] David discusses three types of relationships: with oneself, with others, and with the world. He explains how eating behaviors can reflect unmet needs or safety concerns in these relationships, and how trauma or abuse can influence eating patterns as a means of coping or self-protection. David emphasizes that feelings of safety are foundational in addressing eating behaviors. [39:30] Lisa and David explore the importance of addressing both emotional and physical aspects when working with individuals who are severely underweight or overweight, rather than adopting a black-and-white approach. Lisa and David engage in discussion on the value of helping individuals connect with the literal, somatic experience of their bodies and suffering, rather than focusing on self-judgment or shaming.[46:32] Lisa and David examine dissociation as a survival mechanism in trauma, and strategies for gently helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and experiences. Lisa and David talk about the transformative impact of being met with love, respect, compassion, and grace, both internally and from a supportive community.[1:05:26] Lisa and David wrap up the episode by discussing how listeners can find him. David shares that he can be found on Instagram and his website, has written about 80 essays for Psychology Today, and is working on his fifth book. His fourth book, ‘The Unshaming Way,’ is being translated into seven languages. He offers a 10-month facilitator course and shorter, less expensive courses on trauma and healing.*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 

In this final episode of the exercise series, Lisa steps out of theory and into lived experience — sharing a personal essay written during her senior year of college. Titled “Inside the Box,” the piece chronicles one intense day inside a CrossFit gym. Topics Include:CrossFit Exercise EnthusiastsCommunityPersonal Transformation[1:05] Lisa explains her intention to wrap up the conversation on exercise by sharing a personal essay she wrote 10 years ago, rather than continuing with her own thoughts, theories, and ideas on the subject. Lisa notes it was a paper written for an investigative journalism class in her senior year of college in 2015. She mentions it is optional reading in the group coaching program’s exercise module. The essay, “Inside the Box,” details one day of a CrossFit workout. Lisa describes the workout emphasizing the extreme intensity and challenge.[4:52] Lisa describes the physical environment of the CrossFit gym, referred to as a “box,” as a space dedicated to transforming bodies and minds. The gym’s layout includes workout equipment like kettlebells, medicine balls, and free weights on one wall, and rowing machines and pull-up bars on the other. A whiteboard advertises CrossFit as an “anti-aging drug” with side effects including stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, coordination, balance, accuracy, and community.[8:12] Lisa describes the official CrossFit philosophy, established by Greg Glassman in 2000, aims for overall improvement in all capacities rather than specialization. Lisa talks about the program’s controversial reputation due to injuries, hospitalizations, and deaths, with rhabdomyolysis being a known repercussion. [11:57] Lisa recounts her participation in a highly encouraged fundamentals class, designed to teach prospective athletes “how to walk before learning how to run.” With a personal trainer, she learned proper form for deadlifts, presses, squats, snatches, and thrusters using a 15-pound training bar, before graduating to join the regular class.[19:05] Lisa highlights the strong sense of community, mutual support, and camaraderie. She describes how finished athletes support those still working out and how CrossFitters are attracted to the atmosphere, community, camaraderie, and sense of belonging, [23:42] Lisa recounts her lifelong dread of gym class and the mile run, starting her fitness journey at 302 pounds at her first Jenny Craig appointment, aiming to halve her body weight. Lisa describes months of diverse exercises and particularly challenging interval training on the treadmill with a stern trainer. She details the physical discomfort and her internal struggle. Lisa describes the mindset shift from resistance to a “bring-it-bitch attitude,” where temporary suffering became an indication of pushing limits, resulting in feelings of power, strength, achievement, and triumph, and feeling invincible. Lisa explains why CrossFit’s intensity, addiction, and cult-like following do not surprise her.[41:18] Lisa clarifies that her essay reflects her personal experience and investigation. She emphasizes that CrossFit varies greatly depending on the gym (“box”) and its community, and her experience may not be universal for all CrossFit participants. Lisa ends the series by thanking all of her listeners for going on the journey with her.*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 

In this third episode, Lisa unpacks how movement can become a powerful act of self-care — not self-control. Drawing on her own healing and trauma-informed expertise, she challenges some mainstream fitness narratives and reclaims exercise as a tool for reconnection, resilience, and radical self-acceptance.Topics Include:Mind-body ConnectionExercise IntensityIntentional MovementSelf-Acceptance[1:43] Lisa discusses the importance of healing dissociation and strengthening the mind-body connection, particularly through movement and exercise, referencing the nervous system and polyvagal theory. Lisa explains the basics of polyvagal theory, differentiating between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system responses, and highlights the importance of understanding whether someone is in hyperarousal or hypoarousal (freeze). Lisa emphasizes that movement, especially intentional and conscious movement, is crucial for shifting out of a freeze state and re-engaging with life.[13:05] Lisa critiques the narrative that only gentle movement is healthy, arguing that for some people, high-intensity movement is necessary and supportive for healing. Lisa addresses concerns about high-intensity exercise raising cortisol, explaining that acute stress is natural and only becomes harmful if not balanced with rest, nutrition, and hydration. Lisa introduces the idea of using exercise as an opportunity to practice showing up as the person you aspire to be, referencing her work with clients.[25:00] Lisa discusses insights from clients and personal observations about how one’s mindset and self-identity at work or during exercise significantly impact the experience, especially for those with chronic pain. She emphasizes that it is not the activity itself but the internal dialogue and self-perception that create stress or discomfort. [34:45] Lisa explains that negative self-talk and a judgmental mindset during exercise can trigger stress responses and contribute to chronic pain. She highlights the importance of recognizing the ‘inner predator’ and shifting to a more compassionate, supportive internal dialogue. Lisa addresses the importance of intention in exercise, noting that exercising to change oneself out of shame or inadequacy sends danger signals to the brain, while exercising from a place of self-acceptance and abundance fosters safety and healing.[46:12] Lisa points out that any movement, not just yoga, can be a mind-body exercise if approached with mindful attention. She shares the practice of focusing solely on the present activity, such as being on the mat or treadmill, to enhance the mind-body connection. Lisa recounts how “John” taught her to be present and connected to her body during weightlifting, which led to a transformative realization about exercise and life.[52:45] Lisa encourages listeners to act as their own coach or trainer, pushing themselves out of love and self-care rather than self-criticism, and to remember their inherent worthiness. Lisa asserts that everyone deserves and is worthy of stretching beyond their comfort zone, and that self-care and personal growth are individual responsibilities. [1:04:25] Lisa invites listeners to reach out with questions, comments, or reflections about their experiences and the topics discussed.  *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10Lisa’s Socials⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025