I'm Not a Jerk, I'm Actually Awesome with Wendy

Lisa is joined by Cynthia Santiago-Borbón, a multi-faceted healer, as she discusses healing, personal growth, and the intersection with social change. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, societal detachment, and the impact of personal healing on broader social systems. Topics Include: Holistic Healing Personal Growth Disordered Eating Societal Change [1:20] Lisa shares the story of how she met Cynthia, through her ex-client, then highlights the serendipitous and magical nature of their meeting, which led to Cynthia teaching at Lisa’s retreat. Cynthia describes herself as a multi-faceted healer, residing between New York City and Puerto Rico. She focuses on the intersection of self-development, spirituality, and social change, working primarily with other healers. [10:20] Cynthia shares how her experience growing up in a home with domestic violence influenced her career path, driving her to advocate for justice and safety for others. Cynthia and Lisa discuss her journey from working with women fleeing domestic violence to becoming a therapist and coach, emphasizing her desire to create inclusive environments for healing. [15:30] Cynthia shares her journey from childhood spirituality to disillusionment with organized religion, and eventually finding a personal spiritual path that includes healing and self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of continuous personal healing and growth. Cynthia shares her struggle with body image and societal standards, and how she began to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about her body. She talks about finding what is right about oneself and avoiding comparisons with others. [26:00] Cynthia discusses the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection in personal healing and growth. She describes how she worked on these aspects simultaneously to improve her self-acceptance and happiness. Cynthia discusses the challenge of societal comparison and emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s unique path and character, independent of societal norms.  [35:40] Lisa introduces a framework of awareness, acceptance, and aligned action as a process for personal growth and breaking free from dissatisfaction. Cynthia shares personal experiences with body image issues, societal standards, and overcoming an eating disorder by rejecting societal control mechanisms. [39:29] Cynthia attributes personal growth and healing to spiritual and ancestral guidance, emphasizing the importance of connecting with one’s roots and inner wisdom. Lisa and Cynthia discuss the importance of commitment in overcoming personal challenges, highlighting that recovery is a continuous process requiring dedication. Cynthia talks about how personal healing contributes to social change by making individuals more compassionate and effective in her interactions with others. [58:52] Lisa and Cynthia emphasize the importance of making conscious choices rather than operating on autopilot. She discusses how choosing actions that align with one’s well-being can lead to self-love and commitment to oneself. Lisa and Cynthia discuss the impact of social systems, colonization, and privilege on individuals. They explore the challenge of operating within these systems while striving for personal freedom and not letting them define one’s value. [1:04:17] Cynthia shares her frustration with systemic racism and the dehumanization of Black men. She stresses the importance of recognizing humanity in everyone and not allowing oppressive systems to dictate personal worth. Cynthia emphasizes that personal healing and social change are interconnected. She calls for healers to challenge social paradigms that diminish humanity and emphasize the need for collective liberation. Lisa and Cynthia discuss the importance of recognizing and challenging internalized biases, such as racism and fatphobia, to foster genuine human connections beyond societal categories. [1:20:28] Lisa and Cynthia close out with how Cynthia can be found on social media and her website: Cynthia’s Instagram | Facebook | Website *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 

Lisa is joined by April, a group coaching alum, as she discusses her journey of personal transformation, focusing on overcoming substance abuse and emotional eating, and the impact of emotional awareness in recovery programs. Her story emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the influence of online content in personal growth. Topics Include: Food and Body Issues Substance Abuse Recovery Emotional Awareness [1:09] Lisa introduces April, a coaching graduate, and expresses excitement about sharing April’s journey. April shares her nervousness about the interview and her decision to approach it authentically without over-preparing. April introduces herself as a 58-year-old mother of three from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and discusses her transition after her children left home. [4:40] Lisa and April reflect on her childhood, noting that food issues weren’t apparent until later, but there were underlying dynamics related to food and money. April recalls learning about food as a reward or punishment during her childhood. [9:01] April shares her self-perception as ‘big boned’ from childhood and how it evolved over time, particularly after having children and dealing with weight issues. Lisa and April discuss her childhood, including her parents’ young age, lack of attention, and the responsibilities she took on with raising her siblings, which contributed to her substance abuse starting at the age of 12. April reflects on her journey to sobriety at 25, and how a moment with her daughter prompted her to attend AA meetings. [22:00] April describes her struggle with emotional eating as a coping mechanism for anxiety and stress, and her experiences with various diets over 30 years, often resulting in weight gain.  [30:15] Lisa and April discuss the importance of recognizing the emotional component in programs, highlighting how it can be a transformative aspect for participants. Lisa mentions how social media algorithms can lead people to discover beneficial programs, as was the case with finding ‘Life With Kate’ on Instagram. April describes how following Lisa online provided significant insights and motivation, emphasizing the impact of online content on personal growth. [39:54] Lisa explains the program’s structure, divided into three parts: understanding the problem, finding solutions, and maintaining progress. April shares her initial skepticism and eventual breakthroughs, emphasizing the importance of mindful eating and self-permission. [46:05] April discusses significant personal realizations, such as not hating their body but disliking past actions. They highlight the importance of self-awareness, journaling, and reparenting themselves emotionally. Lisa uses Plato’s allegory of the cave to illustrate the transformative journey participants undergo, moving from ignorance to enlightenment and freedom. [53:17] Lisa and April wrap up with the discussion of how April is incorporating the tools she learned to cope with the emotions of life and how she has created a sense of safety with them.   *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Gina, a mother of three and yoga instructor, who loves dogs and to cook, as they discuss the transformative power of yoga in personal and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort, connecting mind and body, and nurturing one’s inner child for overall well-being. Topics Include: Healing power of yoga Embracing Discomfort Importance of the Pause Self-Care [1:35] Lisa begins with how yoga has been life-changing for her life, providing mental and physical challenges that promote personal growth. Lisa discusses her personal journey with being introduced to yoga and then becoming a yoga instructor. Lisa highlights the significance of a good yoga instructor, noting that Gina is exceptional in creating transformative experiences. Gina acknowledges that her teaching style may not be for everyone but is beneficial for those who embrace it.  [8:21] Lisa and Gina discuss the value of discomfort in personal growth. Lisa shares how yoga challenges her ego, while Gina recounts overcoming her fear of public speaking, leading to growth as a yoga instructor. [14:41] Gina shares her journey into yoga, starting from a suggestion to alleviate stomach pain, leading to a healthier lifestyle and a deeper spiritual connection.  [22:49] Gina talks about her family dynamics, including her father’s influence as a recovering addict, which shaped her understanding of spirituality and personal growth. Gina discusses her spiritual growth influenced by her father’s recovery journey and yoga, emphasizing the idea of being a spiritual being having a human experience. [38:53] Gina emphasizes the transformative power of taking a breath to gain perspective and manage daily stressors effectively. Lisa discusses how yoga helps in connecting the mind and body, aiding in recognizing stress responses and transitioning to stress relief. [40:45] Lisa explains how emotional eating, whether through overeating or dieting, is a response to stress and disconnection from the body. Lisa highlights the physiological aspect of stress, explaining the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems’ roles and how breathing can shift between them. [44:18] Gina shared a personal story about controlling food intake during stressful times, realizing it was unhealthy, and the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than seeking control through diet. Lisa and Gina discuss how yoga helped them connect with their bodies, emphasizing the transformative power of yoga in understanding and feeling emotions physically. [1:02:13] Lisa and Gina talk about using yoga to build tolerance for discomfort, which helps in personal growth. They emphasized the importance of feeling safe while being uncomfortable to facilitate growth. Gina advised against perfectionism, suggesting a B-plus approach to tasks to encourage action and progress, sharing personal experiences of overcoming perfectionism. [1:06:30] Lisa discusses the concept of going on autopilot to make beneficial choices, emphasizing that it is a way to honor oneself rather than neglect. Gina agrees, relating it to nurturing the inner child and making healthier choices. Gina talks about nurturing the inner child and allowing children to shine by supporting their interests. This is linked to personal healing and self-care as adults. Gina emphasizes that one can restart their day at any time, accepting human imperfections and making better choices without letting past decisions derail their life. [1:12:26] Lisa and Gina close by discussing how to register for their in-person workshop, Let That Sh*t Go, being held on December 7, 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Merrick Hot Yoga Studio, and how to find Gina on Instagram: GinaMarieYogini and WhatsGinaMaking. *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025

Lisa is joined by Susan, an OOTC group coaching alum from Rochester, Minnesota, who shares her challenges related to body image, trauma, and personal growth. It highlights her resilience and transformation through radical acceptance and self-compassion, showcasing her ability to adapt and find healing amidst adversity.  Topics Include: Family dynamics Grief and Loss Personal Growth through Challenges Radical Acceptance and Self-Compassion [1:11] Lisa and Susan begin the conversation with Susan introducing herself and sharing her early memories of feeling envious of her sister’s thin body and internalizing negative comments about her own “stocky” body. She recalls being aware of her family’s concern about her weight from a young age. [7:40] Susan recounts experiences of sexual abuse by her grandfather and how the lack of support or acknowledgment from her family contributed to her feelings of shame and isolation. Lisa and Susan discuss her early attempts at dieting, starting in seventh grade.  [25:16] Susan discusses using food as comfort during high school, leading to weight gain. Lisa and Susan reflect on dieting and the impact of starvation on weight gain, acknowledging both emotional eating and physical effects of dieting. Susan shares with Lisa the desire to fit in socially and be asked to dance, influenced by her mother’s comments. She discusses the impact of social expectations on her self-image and dieting habits. [29:05] Susan recounts significant life events, including marriage, teaching, and family illnesses, highlighting resilience through personal and family health crises, including her son’s cancer and her own health struggles. Susan describes to Lisa how she used food, reading, and learning as coping mechanisms during stressful periods, emphasizing the struggle to manage weight amidst life’s challenges. [43:02] Susan shares her journey of focusing on health and wellness, including walking marathons and taking fitness classes, despite not achieving significant weight loss. Susan describes her struggles with eye health, including macular degeneration, which led to her retirement in 2005.  [47:58] Susan recounts her experience at a school for the blind, learning to adapt to vision loss, and her involvement in political activities during this time. Susan also shares with Lisa the challenges of finding the right care for her son and dealing with the grief of his passing in 2017. Susan describes the isolation and challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic while living alone and her journey towards self-compassion and healing through various resources, including meditation. [1:05:12] Susan and Lisa discuss the importance of radical acceptance in transformation, emphasizing that feelings are not fatal and that transformation begins with accepting what is. They discuss how the OOTC group coaching curriculum design brings together various teachings into a cohesive understanding. They also talk about the importance of embodying knowledge and practicing it, rather than just memorizing it which involves being present in the body and sitting with feelings. [1:14:56] Lisa and Susan concluded with a discussion about the practice of journal speak as essential for processing emotions. Susan also shares her gratitude to Lisa for holding a safe space for her through the interview and group coaching program.  *The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC. Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 ⁠Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Wendy, OOTC group coaching program alum, a middle-aged cat lady, scientist, and member of a comedy band in Philadelphia, PA. They discuss the transformative journey of healing one’s relationship with food and body image, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion, community support, and mindful eating. Topics Include: Societal messages on body image and eating behaviors Coping with Loss Self Love and Compassion Personal Transformation [1:43] Lisa and Wendy begin the conversation with Wendy sharing that food was not a significant issue in early childhood, though her mom was strict about certain foods like potato chips to avoid getting fat. Wendy discusses how she started noticing her body was different from others around age 7-8, leading to social anxiety and a heightened awareness of her body. [7:29] Wendy and Lisa discuss how media and cartoons in the 80s often portrayed fat characters negatively, reinforcing the stigma around being overweight. Lisa elaborates on how societal messages teach children that being fat is undesirable, often without questioning these beliefs. [13:15] Wendy and Lisa discuss her being sent to a counselor in fourth grade due to anxiety about fitting in and social issues. Wendy recalls avoiding eating in front of others, especially boys, due to fear of being judged for her weight. [19:12] Wendy discusses coming out of her shell in junior high and high school, finding confidence through theater, and noticing friends’ eating habits. Wendy realized around age 14 that some people restrict food to control her weight, and shared an incident where she unintentionally spread a rumor about a friend’s eating habits. Wendy describes feeling insecure about her body, avoiding wearing revealing clothes, and not wanting to see herself in the mirror. [25:38] Wendy talks about using food, such as fat-free blueberry muffins, as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety during college. Wendy and Lisa talk about the conflict between wanting to eat for comfort and not wanting to gain weight, even considering extreme measures like a tapeworm. Wendy eventually realized the need for anxiety medication and discussed the stigma around mental health in the late 90s and early 2000s. [38:13] Wendy discussed the impact of her mother’s illness and how she stopped eating due to her mother’s inability to eat, leading to significant weight loss and a lack of energy. Lisa and Wendy discuss finally attaining her goal but feeling awful as a result of not eating. [40:31] Wendy described a period of personal growth in her early 30s, including taking up cycling, improv, and starting a band. Wendy and Lisa talk about how her struggles with body image, including weight fluctuations and discomfort with her appearance started up again. [44:22] Wendy recounted how they connected with Lisa through a mutual friend and joined a group program and they discuss the benefits of group therapy, including shared experiences and mutual support. Wendy shares that the group program helped her open up and learn a more loving way to relate to herself, and she appreciated the support and understanding from the group. [49:13] Wendy discussed how the program helped her be kinder to herself, using the metaphor of not having a ‘tiger’ to fear, and how this shift in perspective reduced her self-criticism. Wendy mentioned that they became more mindful about her eating habits, choosing foods that wouldn’t cause discomfort and not feeling guilty about occasional indulgences. Lisa noted the importance of integrating and practicing the lessons learned in the program, which Wendy confirmed by sharing her ongoing mindfulness and self-care practices. [1:06:59] Lisa and Wendy concluded with the message that it’s important to like oneself and not listen to negative self-talk, reinforcing the here of self-acceptance. *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Lisa is joined by Kimberly, OOTC group coaching program alum, a dancer, psychotherapist, singer-songwriter, and entertainment lawyer as she shares her deeply personal journey through life and her recovery from an eating disorder. Topics Include: Overcoming abuse Perfectionism Loss of a Child JournalSpeak and Recovery [1:15] Lisa and Kimberley jump right in with Kimberly introducing herself and discussing growing up with a mother with an eating disorder and how early family dynamics shaped her views on food and body image.  [5:50] Kimberly and Lisa discuss the pressures of perfectionism and how dancing contributed to her struggle with an eating disorder starting at a young age. [18:50] Kimberly recounts to Lisa her experiences in high school, battling anorexia, being hospitalized 13 times between 9th and 12th grades, and her relapse. [23:45] Kimberly talks about how her music career derailed due to her eating disorder, leading her to pursue law school instead. [26:07] Kimberly opens up about her abusive marriage and how that experience impacted her mental health and eating disorder. [32:00] Kimberly and Lisa discuss life after leaving her abusive marriage, how working with a therapist, and having a supportive husband helped her with her beginning recovery and personal growth. Kimberly talks about how her pregnancies, dealing with loss, and becoming a mother helped her embrace body positivity. [42:20] Kimberly shares how her experience at a retreat with Lisa Schlosberg and Nicole Sachs transformed her life, leading to a newfound career in music. Kimberly recently signed a music deal, reflecting on how her recovery enabled her to pursue her dreams fully. *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode, Lisa welcomes back Nicole Sachs to discuss her new book, Mind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety, which examines healing chronic conditions through understanding the mind-body connection and addressing repressed emotions, offering a transformative approach to personal well-being.  Topics Include: Chronic Pain Repressed Emotions and TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome) Mind-Body Connection and Emotional Health JournalSpeak and Recovery [1:32] Lisa and Nicole jump into the exciting news of the pre-order of Nicole’s new book that includes the brain science and steps for healing chronic conditions,  [3:34] Nicole and Lisa discuss how chronic conditions like migraines, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue are linked to a dysregulated nervous system and repressed emotions. They examine how body image issues are seen as a form of perfectionism projected onto the physical body, which can be linked to repressed emotions and chronic conditions, as well. Nicole outlines a three-step process: believe, do the work, and practice patience and kindness to heal chronic conditions by addressing repressed emotions. [11:45] Nicole discusses how chronic pain is often linked to repressed emotions and the nervous system’s response to perceived threats. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing these emotions to alleviate chronic symptoms. Lisa and Nicole explore how body image issues are tied to familiar and controllable thoughts, which the brain uses as a safety mechanism. They discuss the societal pressures and personal struggles related to body image. [23:37] Nicole explains the mind-body approach to dealing with chronic pain and emotional issues, emphasizing the importance of feeling emotions and setting boundaries to change one’s response to triggers. Lisa shares personal experiences of transformation through mind-body work, highlighting breakthroughs in understanding and addressing deep-seated emotional issues. [30:54] Nicole introduces the concept of ‘breakaway,’ which involves breaking free from old paradigms to live a more actualized life, beyond just managing chronic pain. Nicole acknowledges that some people may fear the open space that comes with healing and transformation, and emphasizes the importance of addressing these fears. [36:46:04] Lisa discusses the fear of discovering life without chronic pain, while Nicole emphasizes that the real issue is an epidemic of fear, not pain. Nicole describes the healing process as taking small, manageable steps and not needing to figure everything out at once. [38:57] Nicole] discusses the incentives for pre-ordering the book. Nicole highlights the importance of integrating mind-body practices with traditional medical treatments, such as in an upcoming study with breast cancer patients. [42:25] Lisa and Nicole close out by telling listeners how to find her on social media and how they can order pre-order her book. Nicole Instagram | Website | Mind Your Body Pre-Order  *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

Lisa sits down with Hope Pedraza, who is a certified holistic nutritionist and functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner. Hope uses functional labs to address chronic symptoms and combines functional medicine with energy medicine to get to the root cause of health issues.  Topics Include: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Repressed Emotions and Health Issues Energy Work and Recovery [1:14] Lisa introduces Hope, a certified holistic nutritionist and functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner. Hope uses functional labs to address chronic symptoms and combines functional medicine with energy medicine. She also works with entrepreneurs, coaches, and high-performing women whose health is kind of holding them back from living their full potential. [3:34] Hope shares her background in dance, which led her to Pilates and eventually to opening a fitness studio. She also has an online business and a podcast. Hope explains her approach, which combines functional medicine and energy medicine to address deeper issues like hormonal imbalances, gut issues, and emotional and mental health. [6:00] Lisa and Hope discuss their career paths, with Lisa transitioning from personal training to social work and Hope moving from dance to functional medicine. [8:31] Hope shares her experience with disordered eating stemming from her dance background, including body image issues and restrictive eating habits. She talks about the pressure to conform to a specific body type in the dance world and how it affected her self-image and eating habits. [14:14] Lisa and Hope discuss her personal struggles with food and health, including IBS, and how her own healing journey influenced her professional approach. Hope emphasizes the importance of addressing both physical and emotional/energetic root causes to achieve holistic healing. [23:14] Lisa and Hope discuss the importance of the energy and intention behind actions, such as dietary changes, in the healing process. They discuss how people are often uninformed about how their bodies work and the general lack of education on bodily functions.    [42:04] Lisa and Hope discuss the importance of integrating physical and energetic bodies for holistic health, emphasizing that energy centers correlate with parts of the endocrine system. Lisa and Hope discuss their experience with Human Design, describing how it has helped them understand and validate their own traits and behaviors. [54:35] Lisa and Hope discuss the importance of a holistic approach that includes mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical health. They emphasize that physical issues often have emotional and energetic root causes, and that addressing these is crucial for holistic healing. [1:02:02] Lisa and Hope close out by telling listeners how to find her on social media. Hope’s Instagram | Facebook | Website   *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠

Lisa is joined by group coaching alum, Alex. This episode discusses the complex journey of addiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-awareness, community support, and emotional growth. It underscores that personal growth is an ongoing process without a final destination, requiring constant practice and self-compassion. Topics Include: Feelings of worthiness Addiction and Dissociation Relationship with Food and Recovery Ongoing Practice of Self-Love [1:07] Lisa introduces Alex, a group coaching alum, and Alex provides a brief background about herself, including her age, profession, and family.  [2:52] Alex discusses her early childhood, feeling like a misfit, receiving negative messages about her body, and experiencing dissociation as a coping mechanism. Alex talks about discovering boys and alcohol, getting kicked out of public high school, and finding a sense of belonging at a small private girls’ school. Alex describes her life after high school, including heavy drinking, drug use, and the impact of her father’s death and her own accident.   [18:17] Alex shares her experiences with various diets, over-exercising, and using laxatives as a means to control her weight. Alex talks about getting married, having a baby, and eventually getting sober while raising her child alone. Alex discusses her relapse after 16 years of sobriety, her obsessive exercising, and discovering the work of John Sarno and Nicole Sachs in 2020. [24:51] Lisa and Alex explore the cognitive dissonance between wanting to be in addiction and wanting to be sober, noting that recovery can become a new form of addiction. Alex admits that much of their recovery efforts were performative, driven by how things looked rather than genuine feelings. Alex compares their experience with eating disorders to OCD, emphasizing the importance of gradual exposure therapy in recovery.  [29:22] Alex shares their experience with Overeaters Anonymous (OA), noting that it felt like another form of dieting and restriction. Lisa and Alex discuss the concept of powerlessness over substances, with Lisa disagreeing with the traditional OA view and Alex partially agreeing.  [42:19] Alex talks about using Internal Family Systems (IFS) to identify and accept different parts of themselves, including negative emotions like rage and despair. Lisa and Alex talk about the balance between codependency and hyper-independence, emphasizing the importance of healthy support systems. [51:53] Lisa and Alex discuss how past experiences shape emotional reactions and the importance of distinguishing between discomfort and actual danger. Alex talks about dealing with multiple losses, including the death of their mother and a friend, and how it has impacted their emotional journey.   [1:03:17] Alex shares their positive experience with a group program, emphasizing the value of community and continuous learning. Alex discusses the challenges and empowerment of accepting an aging body and the desire to advocate for older adults.  [1:09:46] Alex emphasizes the importance of continuous practice and course correction in their emotional and spiritual journey. Lisa and Alex discuss that there is no final destination in personal growth and self-awareness. It’s an ongoing process. Lisa emphasizes the importance of continuous practice in aligning with oneself and embodying authenticity. [1:15:05] Lisa and Alex close out this session by using the metaphor of gardening to describe personal growth, emphasizing the need for constant tending.  *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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

Lisa sits down with primary care physician, Dr. Susan Caldwell. This episode discusses the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and a holistic approach in medical practice, particularly in treating weight and women’s health issues. Lisa and Susan discuss the need for understanding patients as whole individuals, addressing the root causes of health problems, and fostering supportive patient-doctor relationships. Topics Include: Holistic approach in medical practice Empathy and self-awareness in medical practice Patient-centered care and realistic health expectations Food addiction and the importance of a balanced approach to health and weight loss [1:09] Lisa introduces Susan, a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine and women’s reproductive health. Lisa shares that she became aware of Susan because Susan recommended the OOTC podcast to one of her patients. [5:02] Lisa discusses the trauma and negative experiences many people, especially those in bigger bodies, face when visiting doctors. She emphasizes the importance of finding medical professionals who see patients as humans rather than just a set of data.   [7:07] Susan shares her journey from studying psychology to becoming a primary care physician. She talks about her initial focus on treating symptoms with medication and how she realized that this approach was not effective and missed the person behind the symptoms. Susan describes her journey of reconnecting with her faith and starting to pay more attention to her patients’ stories and needs. She began to see the importance of listening and understanding rather than just prescribing medication. [17:31] Lisa and Susan discuss the psychological dynamics where patients see doctors as authority figures and how this can trigger feelings of powerlessness and inadequacy in doctors. They emphasize the need for doctors to understand and manage their own emotions. Susan discusses the importance of self-awareness and listening to one’s own body, which was neglected during medical training. Lisa highlights the contrasting approaches in training for medical professionals and therapists, where the emphasis is on self-awareness and emotional intelligence in therapy.  [39:11] Lisa and Susan discuss how societal expectations place doctors in a position of power, often leading to a disconnect between doctors and patients. Susan advocates for a holistic approach that considers the body, mind, and soul, rather than just treating physical symptoms.  [50:19] Lisa and Susan discuss the importance of community and support systems in helping patients heal and feel empowered. They talk about the importance of understanding patients as humans, not just data points, to foster real healing. [1:04:30] Lisa asks Susan about the medical reason for losing weight. Susan shares that the body is not built to handle the extra weight and will eventually begin to experience issues. Lisa shares how Susan’s answer really resonates with her given her experience with stress fractures in her feet.   [1:22:25] Susan views medications like Ozempic as tools that should be used responsibly and emphasizes the importance of foundational health practices like diet and exercise. Susan stresses the need for individuals to be aware of their eating habits and overall health, rather than relying solely on medications. [1:31:04] Lisa and Susan close with expressions of appreciation for the work they are both doing. Lisa talks about how she will definitely have Susan back to answer and address new questions.  Dr. Susan Caldwell’s 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 Prompts⁠ ⁠Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form ⁠ Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠Out of the Cave Merch⁠ - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10 Lisa’s Socials ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠